Why Braves season feels like it is shaping into 'something special'
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Why Braves season feels like it is shaping into 'something special'” inside PodZeus.
The podcast Dukes & Bell dives into the Atlanta Braves' unexpectedly strong start to the 2026 season, highlighting their 22-10 record and a recent series win that evokes memories of past championship-caliber teams like the 1991 and 1997 Braves. Hosts express growing excitement about the team’s resilience, clutch hitting, and emergent pitching depth, particularly praising Bryce Elder’s consistent performance and J.R. Ritchie’s composure after a shaky start. They analyze the offensive contributions of Matt Olsen, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris, while also addressing the ongoing struggles of Austin Riley against right-handed pitching and the need for him to adjust his approach. The conversation touches on roster decisions, with growing consensus that reliever Piamps is due for a DFA as Spencer Strider’s return looms and more effective arms like Ronaldo Lopez and Didier Fuentes become viable options. The episode builds anticipation for the upcoming road trip against the Rockies, Mariners, and Dodgers, questioning whether the Braves can maintain their momentum on the road.
The Braves' 22-10 start has fans feeling the team is building something special, reminiscent of the 1991 and 1997 championship teams.
Bryce Elder has emerged as a key rotation piece with improved pitch execution and a sub-2.00 ERA, proving crucial in the absence of Strider and Schwellenbach.
Austin Riley’s struggles against righties (128 average) highlight a need for swing-plane adjustments, though his power remains evident.
Roster decisions are tightening: Piamps is seen as a liability and likely to be DFA’d with Strider’s return and better bullpen options available.
The Braves’ offense, led by Olsen, Albies, and Harris, is the highest-scoring in baseball, but full potential hinges on Riley and Acuna Jr. breaking out.
…and 1 more takeaway available in PodZeus
Braves' Electric Start and 1991 Nostalgia
“It was the pivotal point in which the Braves went from being, yeah, a team that everybody was familiar with but really didn't do much, but they were on every night on TBS, to a team that became must-watch TV.”
Clutch Hitting and Key Performances
“I think he cracked the code.”
Austin Riley’s Struggles and Swing Adjustments
The hosts dissect Austin Riley’s poor performance against right-handed pitching, exploring his mental approach, swing plane issues, and the risk of dropping him in the lineup. They note his recent signs of life in Philly but stress the need for sustained improvement.
Rotation Depth, Roster Decisions, and Road Trip Ahead
“If we were mediocre, you'd be like, all right, they can stick around. No reason to stick around. Let's go upgrade.”
“It was the pivotal point in which the Braves went from being, yeah, a team that everybody was familiar with but really didn't do much, but they were on every night on TBS, to a team that became must-watch TV.”
“If we were mediocre, you'd be like, all right, they can stick around. No reason to stick around. Let's go upgrade.”
“The swing and miss has not been there for him. Career low Ks per nine this year. And that to me is always a red flag.”
Hosts
Guest
grant mcauley
person
dukes & bell
media
bryce elder
person
austin riley
person
piamps
person
matt olsen
person
ozzie albies
person
j.r. ritchie
person
walt weiss
person
ronaldo lopez
person
Jonathan Kuminga needs to 'be a star' for Hawks to make noise in playoffs
Dukes & Bell • 11m • 3/31/2026
Braves lineup strong enough can keep them afloat while pitching gets healthy
Dukes & Bell • 13m • 3/31/2026
Why it's time for Tiger Woods to press pause on golf
Dukes & Bell • 11m • 3/31/2026
Atlanta has officially become the center of the world for soccer
Dukes & Bell • 12m • 3/31/2026
Kirby Smart was is 'authentic self' with viral moment with Amarius Mims
Dukes & Bell • 13m • 3/31/2026
Get the full intelligence
Search transcripts, export clips, track mentions, and explore all topics from “Why Braves season feels like it is shaping into 'something special'” inside PodZeus.
Start discovering podcast insights today
Start with a 7-day trial and explore a growing catalog of popular podcasts. No credit card required.
No credit card required • 7-day trial • Cancel anytime