ESPN today announced it has added the exclusive broadcast of the St. Louis Cardinals vs. the defending World Series Champion Atlanta Braves game to its July 6 programming schedule. The game will emanate from Truist Park in Atlanta, Ga., beginning at 7 p.m. ET. Michael Kay and World Series Champion and analyst Alex Rodriguez will provide commentary on site. The duo also stars in KayRod Cast an alternate presentation for select Sunday Night Baseball games on ESPN2.

ESPN Adds Exclusive Broadcast of St. Louis Cardinals vs. Atlanta Braves to July 6 Schedule https://t.co/pNogjZWDbC

— Matt Sarzyniak (@mattsarz) June 26, 2022

Looking forward to talking with @icecube , @TonyDanza , @JeffFrancoeur , Leo Mazzone and @PujolsFive on #kayrod cast tonight at 7 on @espn 2!

https://t.co/Vo4kvKHYqk pic.twitter.com/HbA9L0F2ft

— Sports TV Ratings (@SportsTVRatings) June 26, 2022

"He's really putting himself in that elite class of shortstops going into Free Agency."@markdero7 and @Anthony_Recker dive into Dansby Swanson's 2022 eruption and all-around impact for the @Braves.#MLBCentral | #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/qQRtX9Mrdz

— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 28, 2022

The Braves placed closer Kenley Jansen on the 15-day injured list Tuesday because of an irregular heartbeat, something he's dealt with previously in his career.

Right-hander Jess Cruz was recalled from Triple A to fill the opening in the bullpen. https://t.co/WYYGHpfFKH

Sources: Freddie Freeman, who has told friends he's angry with how his free-agent negotiations played out, is changing representation, away from Excel. He is currently listed as being self-represented.

Sources: Freddie Freeman, who has told friends he's angry with how his free-agent negotiations played out, is changing representation, away from Excel. He is currently listed as being self-represented.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) June 28, 2022

Casey Close never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer, that is why Freeman fired him. He found out in Atlanta this weekend. It isn't that rare to have happen in MLB, but it happened - Close knew Freddie would have taken the ATL deal

Casey Close never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer, that is why Freeman fired him. He found out in Atlanta this weekend. It isn’t that rare to have happen in MLB, but it happened - Close knew Freddie would have taken the ATL deal

— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) June 29, 2022

Wolfer79 said:

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Casey Close never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer, that is why Freeman fired him. He found out in Atlanta this weekend. It isn't that rare to have happen in MLB, but it happened - Close knew Freddie would have taken the ATL deal

Casey Close never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer, that is why Freeman fired him. He found out in Atlanta this weekend. It isn’t that rare to have happen in MLB, but it happened - Close knew Freddie would have taken the ATL deal

— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) June 29, 2022

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Just insane. An agent is why Freeman isn't a Brave. Wow.

metcalfmafia said:

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Wolfer79 said:

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Casey Close never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer, that is why Freeman fired him. He found out in Atlanta this weekend. It isn't that rare to have happen in MLB, but it happened - Close knew Freddie would have taken the ATL deal

Casey Close never told Freddie Freeman about the Braves final offer, that is why Freeman fired him. He found out in Atlanta this weekend. It isn’t that rare to have happen in MLB, but it happened - Close knew Freddie would have taken the ATL deal

— Doug Gottlieb (@GottliebShow) June 29, 2022

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Just insane. An agent is why Freeman isn't a Brave. Wow.

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Unbelievable.

Statement from Casey Close: "Doug Gottlieb tweeted a wholly inaccurate characterization of our negotiations with the Atlanta Braves on behalf of Freddie Freeman. We are immediately evaluating all legal options to address the reckless publication of inaccurate information."

Statement from Casey Close: “Doug Gottlieb tweeted a wholly inaccurate characterization of our negotiations with the Atlanta Braves on behalf of Freddie Freeman. We are immediately evaluating all legal options to address the reckless publication of inaccurate information.”

— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 30, 2022

The #Braves today traded RHP Touki Toussaint to the Los Angeles Angels for cash considerations.

Eddie Rosario is in the starting lineup in left field tonight vs Cardinals -

In 28 regular-season starts since Aug. 3, #Braves' Max Fried is 16-2 with a 2.08 ERA. And in 42 starts since May 1, 2021, Fried is 23-8 with a 2.47 ERA and 244 strikeouts in 262 innings.

In 28 regular-season starts since Aug. 3, #Braves' Max Fried is 16-2 with a 2.08 ERA. And in 42 starts since May 1, 2021, Fried is 23-8 with a 2.47 ERA and 244 strikeouts in 262 innings.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 7, 2022

Michael Harris II will be 21 years & 212 days old on the last day of the season

IF he were to win Gold Glove, he'd be the 3rd-youngest outfielder to do so, older than only:

1990 Ken Griffey Jr: 20 y, 316 d
1998 Andruw Jones: 21 y, 158 d

h/t @EliasSports

Michael Harris II will be 21 years & 212 days old on the last day of the season

IF he were to win Gold Glove, he’d be the 3rd-youngest outfielder to do so, older than only:

1990 Ken Griffey Jr: 20 y, 316 d
1998 Andruw Jones: 21 y, 158 d

h/t @EliasSports

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 9, 2022

#Braves will indeed be well represented at the 2022 All Star Game.

In addition to Ronald Acuna Jr... William Contreras, Dansby Swanson, Travis d'Arnaud and Max Fried have all been named as reserves for Brian Snitker's NL squad.

Great time to be a Bravos fan. Huge series coming up.

metcalfmafia said:

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Great time to be a Bravos fan. Huge series coming up.

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YUGE.

Lineup and staff are both looking formidable right now. Love what we've got going heading into the second half.

.@jonmorosi provides the latest on the @Braves trading for INF Robinson Can, who could be activated as soon as tonight vs the Mets

#MLBCentral | #ForTheA | @LaurenShehadi https://t.co/2TWMfccVTd

Starting Robinson Cano against the team who is paying his salary is the ultimate power move.

This season continues to get better.

.@SpencerSTRIDer throws GAS

@AlLeiter22 and @markdero7 dissect the @Braves flamethrower and how he stays near the top of the velocity leaderboards with his 6-foot frame.

#MLBCental | #ForTheA https://t.co/WHi1Q39ui3

Austin Riley is being added to the NL All-Star team.

Austin Riley is being added to the NL All-Star team. Well deserved.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 16, 2022

Oh man my kid just said "Who are the Braves playing, the Walgreens?"


https://twitter.com/RobSmith031978/status/1548124648075698181?t=kAgwyrmFKAZVxjL6p1xW9A&s=19

Wolfer79 said:

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Oh man my kid just said "Who are the Braves playing, the Walgreens?"


https://twitter.com/RobSmith031978/status/1548124648075698181?t=kAgwyrmFKAZVxjL6p1xW9A&s=19

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That's funny stuff !!

Wolfer79 said:

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Austin Riley is being added to the NL All-Star team.

Austin Riley is being added to the NL All-Star team. Well deserved.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeyman) July 16, 2022

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Obviously. He was more deserving than 3/4 of the dudes already on the team.

<p>Memorial Day
Braves 23-25 .479
second in NL West 8.5 games behind
3 games out of NL Wild Card #2 (should have been Wild Card #3)</p><p>

July 4
Braves 46-34 .575
2nd in NL East
3.5 games out of 1st
2nd in NL Wild Card </p>

All-Star Break
Braves 56-38 .596
2nd in NL East
2.5 games out of 1st
1st in NL Wild Card

The Braves since June 1:
35-11 (That's a 123-win pace over a full season)
+100 run differential
.264/.323/.487 slash line for the hitters
3.14 ERA for the pitchers
The Mets didn't surrender their lead in the NL East; the Braves took it away from them. 1/2 game separates them now.

The Braves since June 1:
35-11 (That's a 123-win pace over a full season)
+100 run differential
.264/.323/.487 slash line for the hitters
3.14 ERA for the pitchers
The Mets didn't surrender their lead in the NL East; the Braves took it away from them. 1/2 game separates them now.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 24, 2022

I've taken my son to 2 Braves games this year. April against the Nats where we lost 11-2 in an absolute stinker and yesterday's afternoon game where we baked in the sun and got smoked 9-1. That's getting out scored 20-3 in those 2 games. Man, we picked the 2 worst home games this year to go to together!

BollNCSU said:

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I've taken my son to 2 Braves games this year. April against the Nats where we lost 11-2 in an absolute stinker and yesterday's afternoon game where we baked in the sun and got smoked 9-1. That's getting out scored 20-3 in those 2 games. Man, we picked the 2 worst home games this year to go to together!

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Man that's some bad luck!

Civilized said:

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BollNCSU said:

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I've taken my son to 2 Braves games this year. April against the Nats where we lost 11-2 in an absolute stinker and yesterday's afternoon game where we baked in the sun and got smoked 9-1. That's getting out scored 20-3 in those 2 games. Man, we picked the 2 worst home games this year to go to together!

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Man that's some bad luck!

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Yup BUT first night was replica ring night so got one of those and then yesterday the kids got to run the bases after the game so he loved that and got a certificate and shirt afterward. It was an hour wait after the game but worth it!

Austin Riley is a serious NL MVP contender.

#MLBCentral | @Braves | @CliffFloyd30 | @LaurenShehadi | @Anthony_Recker | @RoFlo https://t.co/RwePThwpeo

#Braves' Acuña has hit .209 with 2 homers and a .583 OPS in his past 33 games, after hitting .316 w/ 6 homers and a .950 OPS in his first 31 games.

In 17 games after July 4, he's hit .186 (13-for-70) with 2 doubles, 1 homer, 4 RBIs, 8 walks, 21 strikeouts, .257 slug%, .526 OPS.

#Braves' Acuña has hit .209 with 2 homers and a .583 OPS in his past 33 games, after hitting .316 w/ 6 homers and a .950 OPS in his first 31 games.

In 17 games after July 4, he's hit .186 (13-for-70) with 2 doubles, 1 homer, 4 RBIs, 8 walks, 21 strikeouts, .257 slug%, .526 OPS.

— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 27, 2022

Not surprised by those numbers. The games I have watched he has struggled. We went to a Braves game recently and Ronald went 0-4. 3 strikeouts (all three were fastballs blown by him) and a pop up in foul territory. My son loves Ronald but we were disappointed that night.

The last time a Braves hitter had as many as 10 homers and a .400 batting average in a single month was also the only time.

Chipper Jones in July of 1999.

Austin Riley can match it or surpass it, writes @DOBrienATL, also in July.

More: https://t.co/MqdcwWAFVr https://t.co/pkWuJwfPXl

From @EliasSports, about the long season: At this time last yearthrough games of July 31the Braves were 5253, 4 games behind the first-place Mets in the NL East. In 2019, the eventual champion Nationals were a pedestrian 5751 entering August, 6 1/2 games out of first place

From @EliasSports, about the long season: At this time last year––through games of July 31––the Braves were 52–53, 4 games behind the first-place Mets in the NL East. In 2019, the eventual champion Nationals were a pedestrian 57–51 entering August, 6 1/2 games out of first place

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 31, 2022

Highest slugging pct in calendar month, Braves history (min 90 PA):

1999 July, Chipper Jones: .913
2022 July, Austin Riley: .885
1956 July, Joe Adcock: .884
1955 June, Eddie Mathews: .815

Highest slugging pct in calendar month, Braves history (min 90 PA):

1999 July, Chipper Jones: .913
2022 July, Austin Riley: .885
1956 July, Joe Adcock: .884
1955 June, Eddie Mathews: .815

— Sarah Langs (@SlangsOnSports) July 31, 2022

Riley is absolutely mashing right now. He's seeing beach balls up there.