Atlanta Braves fans finally see hope as Austin Riley shows signs of breaking out of his early-season slump. Has the slugger found his stride at the plate? Jake Mastroianni spotlights Riley’s encouraging at-bats against the Angels, analyzing pitch selection, improved contact, and key adjustments that could signal a return to form. The discussion also weighs Riley’s contract outlook if struggles continue, and highlights the ripple effects for the Braves’ lineup.

Mailbag questions drive deeper analysis of Atlanta’s pitching rotation, with speculation on six-man rotations, prospects like Hurston Waldrep and JR Ritchie, and the current value of mid-rotation arms like Reynaldo López and Grant Holmes. Other key topics include Mauricio Dubón’s positional fit when Ha-seong Kim returns, Michael Harris II’s future in center field, and unexpected trends in the Braves’ splits vs. left and right-handed pitching. Can the Braves unlock their full offensive potential as the season heats up?

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Atlanta Braves power through early 2026 with top-five offense and pitching—could this be a championship year? Despite Ronald Acuña Jr. and Austin Riley yet to go deep, the Braves rank second in MLB home runs, fifth in batting average, and display impressive depth across the lineup. Jake Mastroianni spotlights the Braves’ strengths, including Drake Baldwin’s hot bat and Bryce Elder’s flawless ERA, while questioning whether early stats are sustainable or just noise.

Key topics cover the Braves’ plus-34 run differential, bullpen dominance led by Tyler Kenley and Raisel Iglesias, and the team’s resilience against quality starters. Upcoming challenges against the Cleveland Guardians, Philadelphia Phillies, and surging Marlins will test Atlanta’s claim as a top squad. Mastroianni previews series pitching matchups, assesses the rotation’s luck versus regression, and explores new City Connect uniforms, asking: can Atlanta maintain elite status as tougher opponents loom?

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Turbo Tax

Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.

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Indeed

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Gametime

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FanDuel

Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.

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The Atlanta Braves took the series finale from the Los Angeles Angels behind a strong start from Grant Holmes and a crucial Matt Olson home run. Postcast host Lindsay Crosby and Locked On Braves host Jake Mastroianni went LIVE after the game to break down all of the action.

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If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub

Turbo Tax
Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.
Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.

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

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.Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins.Visit https://FANDUEL.COMto get started — Play Your Game.

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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