Atlanta Braves face tough questions as Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury history casts doubt on a long-term extension, while rising prospect Drake Baldwin emerges as a safer option for the future. Can GM Alex Anthopoulos afford to risk it all on Acuña, or is it time to shift focus and prioritize organizational depth?

Jake Mastroianni answers pressing fan questions on Acuña’s role—should he become a primary DH?—and evaluates recent moves, like the Joey Bart trade. The conversation focused on Atlanta’s trade deadline strategy, the performance of key acquisitions like Ha-Seong Kim and Mike Yastrzemski, and potential in-house fixes. A key theme that emerged was the urgency for decisive action, with ongoing rotation issues and playoff hopes on the line. Are the Braves set for another bold midsummer overhaul?

Photo Credit: Katie Stratman

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Atlanta Braves’ midseason slide raises questions—are injuries and slumping stars exposing real weaknesses, or is this just a rough patch before another turnaround? Jake Mastroianni breaks down the Braves’ recent 1-6 stretch against underperforming teams, scrutinizing lackluster offensive numbers from key players like Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Austin Riley, and the ongoing absence of Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II. The struggles on the mound and depth players like Mauricio Dubón and Jorge Mateo being pressed into star roles push the Braves’ true potential into sharp focus.

Key talking points include whether Alex Anthopoulos must make bold roster moves before the trade deadline, bullpen management missteps, and how the Braves matchup against red-hot National League contenders like the Brewers and Dodgers. Jake Mastroianni addresses fan anxieties, the impact of injuries, and what needs to change for Atlanta to reclaim its contender status and spark a postseason run.

Photo Credit: Jordan Godfree

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Cash App is a financial services platform, not a bank. Banking services provided by Cash App’s bank partner(s). Prepaid debit cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC. Cash App Visa®️ Debit Flex Cards issued by Sutton Bank, Member FDIC, and The Bancorp Bank, N.A., pursuant to a license from Visa U.S.A. Inc. See terms and conditions for the Sutton prepaid card, Sutton debit flex card, and Bancorp debit flex card. Cash App Green features, Savings, Direct deposit, Round ups, Overdraft coverage and Discounts provided by Cash App, a Block, Inc. brand. Visit cash.app/legal/podcast for full disclosures.

5-Hour ENERGY

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Proton

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Nutrafol

Find out why Nutrafol is the only hair growth supplement brand trusted by MLB.

For a limited time, Nutrafol is offering our listeners $10 off your first month’s subscription and free shipping when you visit https://Nutrafol.com and enter promo code LOCKEDONMLB.

Odoo

Great organizations win because operations matter. And that’s why you should get Odoo. Try for free today at https://Odoo.com/lockedon.

Rugiet

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Rugiet. Performance medicine for men.

Indeed

Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at https://Indeed.com/podcast

KALSHI

For a limited time, download the Kalshi app and use code LOCKEDON to get ten dollars when you trade ten. Kalshi. Trade on anything.

Gametime

Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.

FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. From the opening whistle to the final kick, Let There Be Goals on FanDuel. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started now.

FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN)

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