DOB and EOF welcome Ian Anderson to the big leagues! The 22-year-old righty will make his MLB debut in the series opener against New York (:15). What can we expect from Anderson's first career start? Another round of good news was announced by the Braves; Ronald Acuna Jr. was reinstated to the team's active roster after spending 10 days on the IL (4:45). Anderson takes the stage against, arguably, the best pitcher in the league, Gerrit Cole. Though his play speaks for itself, is the AL Cy Young runner-up being outperformed this season by Max Fried (12:45)? The guys examine Fried's climb to the top of Atlanta's rotation, his current numbers compared to Mike Soroka's 2019 metrics (26:00), and the advance analytics that support him being better than Cole so far this year (32:30). Which Braves hitters are excelling at hard contact (46:15)? Plus, canvassing the trade deadline is tricky (56:15).

DOB and EOF dust off the listener mailbag and respond to your fun, imaginative and well-informed questions, including: Is this the end of the line for Ender Inciarte with youngster Cristian Pache now in the big leagues (6:00); Is there a specific starting pitcher Atlanta will try to target as the league nears the trade deadline (14:15); Which all-star caliber pitcher would the guys, hypothetically, want on the Braves for the rest of the season (23:00); Do the Braves have a pitching development issue (30:00); Why are many top-tier sluggers experiencing cold spells this season (45:45); Could you, a layman to baseball, possible have a shot at escaping a half inning unscathed (52:30); How are Folty and Newcomb progressing at Atlanta's satellite camp, and would the Braves consider using a "opener" routinely (1:12:00)?

Where do we stand on baseball's unwritten rules? Fernando Tatis Jr.'s meteoric rise is only that much more impressive considering he's 21-years young; however, his inexperience is also what attracted the ire of his manager and others after a late-game grand slam against Texas on Monday night, which violated one of baseball's hallowed unwritten rules. DOB and EOF discuss if unwritten rules are necessary or antiquated in today's day and age and whether Tatis Jr. is deserving of his coach and others' disapproval (1:45). How did Eric come to learn about the game's mutually understood, though not explicitly stated, laws (24:00)? Which guidelines are beneficial? Are there any that are outdated? Josh Tomlin is scheduled to start for the first time since late 2019 (35:30). Are he and Robbie Erlin enough get the Braves by? The Braves have won three-straight despite Ronald Acuna Jr. and Ozzie Albies being sidelined (45:30). Plus, Juan Soto is unreal.

The Bravos are treading above .500-waters while core members are sidelined with injuries, such as Ronald Acuna Jr., whom DOB and EOF provide an update on (2:00). Kyle Wright is scheduled to kick-off Atlanta's series against the Marlins, and besides his obvious struggles, why doesn't he just throw strikes like Josh Tomlin? The 24-year-old starter describes why it's not such an easy assignment (14:00). Cleveland Indian's righty, Zach Plesac, published a recent Instagram video expressing his disappointment in media members who have portrayed him and fellow teammate, Mike Clevinger, as "bad people". David and Eric share their insight into the matter (28:00). The duo discuss the swath of injuries affecting Atlanta (37:15), and the team's heavy reliance on the bullpen (45:15). Are the relief arms being taxed too much? Is their success sustainable? Plus, the Braves turn to a young pitcher to fill an "opener" role, and what are some relievers saying about potentially moving into a starting role (52:30)? Lastly, Braves revenues plummet (55:15).

DOB and EOF acknowledge that the train's still on track despite breakouts on both the Marlins and Cardinals (:30). Has Eric been apart of club with as much uncertainty and turnover in the starting rotation as this year's Braves (10:45)? The duo then react to Atlanta optioning Sean Newcomb to the Braves' alternate training site in Gwinnett after an abysmal outing against Philadelphia (15:30). When/if Newcomb is recalled, would he best serve the team from the bullpen, and what's the diagnosis for his meager strikeout-to-walk ration as a starter (29:00)? What can the Braves do to replenish their depleted rotation (41:00)? Could unproven yet abundantly talented options Bryse Wilson, Tucker Davidson and/or Ian Anderson make the leap into a starting/opener role (46:00)? The Bravos Boys laud the bullpen's brilliance with their admiration supported by a stat from Jayson Start (51:00). Lastly, Ronnie and Freddie had themselves a game (55:00).

There's a ton to cover today, so to start the program DOB, EOF and the always reliable Peter Moylan marvel at Nick Markakis' walk-off homer against Toronto before conferring how the 36-year-old's guidance will affect the locker room (:30). Touki Toussaint may have conducted his best pitching symphony to date versus the Blue Jays (9:15). Eric and Moylo share their favorite walk-off memories in honor of Markakis' game-winning shot (20:00). The Braves' bullpen has been as dependable and instrumental to the club's success as any team in the league (28:30). Is Josh Tomlin Atlanta's MVP through the early goings of the year, and where does this pen rank among Braves all-time greats (39:30)? The two former pitchers discuss if Max Fried is truly ready to assume the legit number one starter position (44:15). Would it be wise for Atlanta to add an arm like Lance Lynn to the rotation? Like we said in previous shows, Acuna's mild sputtering to begin the season was nothing to worry over (56:00).

What a heartbreaking incident for Braves and baseball fans alike. 2019 NL Rookie of the Year runner-up and Braves ace, Mike Soroka's, already short season was bookmarked by a season-ending Achilles injury against the Mets on Monday. DOB and EOF detail the gut-wrenching scene from the intraleague contest (:30) and discuss the potential future implications for the newly 23-year-old and the Braves. The duo then react to GM Alex Anthopoulos' comments on Soroka's injury (13:00), and the odds of a trade occurring (14:15). Could the 29-year-old former starter, Tyler Matzek, be the unassuming fill-in, and make his first foray back into a starting rotation since 2015 (22:15)? What did Anthopoulos say to Soroka in the locker room after the matter (31:45), and how did the former Blue Jays General Manager handle a similar situation in Toronto (34:00)? David and Eric chat about the paralleled drawn by Freddie Freeman between Soroka's and ex-hurler Jason Grilli's injury (39:00). To wrap, the guys examine Soroka's historic start to his career, and postulate how the rotation will shape up (44:30).

Our main man Moylo rejoins DOB and EOF to dig into Atlanta Braves news, such as: Isn't it about time Atlanta offers a contact extension to precocious hurlers, Mike Soroka and Max Fried (3:00)? The Braves inked another promising, young arm in the early 2010s, but how did that turn out (12:45)? Moylo tries deducing why Mike Foltynewicz stumbled in his first start of the season, and the trio postulate what's next for the former all-star (26:30). How concerned are the former Bravos pitchers about Ronald Acuna's sputtering start to the year (Spoiler alert: You should worry more about your milk's sell by date. -- 45:45)? The final two items on the menu: Nick Markakis return to the Braves (1:06:45) and Freddie's early season performance (1:09:45). Go to dugoutmugs.com/TheAthletic and use promo code “MLB30” for 30% off your first purchase!

DOB and EOF respond to Mike Foltynewicz being designated for assignment after his grueling first start of the season against Tampa Bay (:30). The guys point out Foltynewicz's slimmer physique and the challenging hiatus, where consistency and routines were difficult to maintain. Eric shares his story of significant weight loss and how it affected his pitching (7:30). Jhoulys Chacín's addition to the pitching corral, and the rise of some young Braves arms, could help fill the space left by Foltynewicz (13:30). The Marlins outbreak of positive Covid-19 tests is alarming to say the least (24:45). Could this be Kyle Wright's big moment to step up (31:30)? Plus, Austin Riley's "light-tower power" was on full display against the Mets (34:00); William Contreras is making big strides (46:15), and Dansby Swanson is off to a stellar start (53:00).

DOB and EOF react to Thursday's baseball openers (:45) before discussing Juan Soto's positive Covid-19 test, and the expanded playoff format (9:30). The duo share their thoughts about the ambiance of the empty ballparks (15:00) as well as the improvements made to the playoff format (22:30). We understand if you like fan cutouts in the stand, but there's no room in the game for "virtual fans" (27:30). The podcast is then interrupted by breaking news of Braves catchers Tyler Flowers and Travis d'Arnaud being unavailable due to illness, and rookie Alex Jackson starting behind the dish in their stead (36:15). The boys wrap up today's edition of the show discussing Cole Hamels' move to the 45-day IL (40:00).

DOB and EOF recap the latest Braves news (:30) before discussing Atlanta's projected rotation, including how the team will manager their fifth starter spot (8:15). The guys cover the dilemmas the club has faced, like Touki Tousaint and Will Smith's positive Covid-19 tests at the start of camp (the latter still hasn't been cleared), Kyle Wright being exposed to a carrier of the virus, which has resulted in logging less reps than other starters and, of course, Cole Hamels' injury (12:30). There are several factors at play that could affect the outcomes this rotation produces; like Folty and Newcomb's performances and how the assortment of pitchers react in a starter/piggyback role (22:30). The duo react to the Braves signing Matt Adams (33:15), and gauge the potential impact he can make team as well as distinguish his role. Freddie Freeman detailed his nightmare run in with Covid-19, which makes his return to practice and scrimmage and producing effectively in those workouts all the more surprising (41:30). The Bravos Boys wrap up today's show by discussing Mike Soroka being named the Opening Day starter (48:15); the short history of duels Soroka has against Jacob DeGrom, whom he'll face Friday, and Brian Snitker's comment about the rotation's fifth spot (58:00).

Thank you for supporting us through 100 memorable episodes! Cheers! DOB and EOF react to the most obvious Braves news, the signing Yasiel Puig (:30). The primary, looming concern about Puig is how he'll harmonize with the clubhouse, but Charlie Culberson appears to have confidence in his new teammate's ability to fit in (8:30). The Bravos Boys examine Puig's stats and discuss his lefty/righty splits, among other analytics (17:45), as well as review his early career success (25:15). The guys chat about Puig's best fit on the field (37:30), plus expect Austin Riley to be Atlanta's regular 3B when Freddie returns (44:15). (P.S. Make sure to hang around until the end of the show!)

DOB and EOF powwow about the non-news news involving the four Braves who have tested positive for Covid-19 (6:45). Staying on the topic of player health, the guys address Braves who are expected to be on the opening-day roster whose status is up in the air, namely Cole Hamels, who's struggling with triceps tendinitis (12:30). Although Hamels' opening day standing is tentative, Atlanta is well equipped with solid pitching depth (24:00). Who could Atlanta turn to as a potential fifth starter bearing in mind Hamels' condition and King Felix opting out? David and Eric run through the list of young hurlers that will participate in an upcoming scrimmage, and deliberate who could contribute in this shortened season (32:15). Could Atlanta utilize an opener (37:30)? Ender Inciarte has a track record of sluggish early season offensive production, so how might Atlanta approach that slow-start morass (38:30)? What does Ender, himself, think of his cold spells (48:00), and could Cristian Pache be leaned on in this situation (57:30)?

The Braves are back on the field with intrasquad scrimmages and David and Eric weigh in on the early results. There's no timetable for Freddie Freeman's return and the Braves added youngster Bryce Ball to the player pool (12:35). On the field, Max Fried and Mike Foltynewicz shine early on and the guys debate how good the rotation will be in a short 2020 (25:25). The guys also take a look ahead to the 2021 schedule which came out this week.

David and Eric unpack all the latest Braves news, including four players testing positing for Covid-19, among them Freddie Freeman, who exemplified symptoms (3:00). A pair of Braves also elected to sit out this season, one being King Felix, the other, to the surprise of many, Nick Markakis (5:00). David and Eric discuss Markakis' reasons for sidelining himself, and attempt to determine how this will affect Atlanta (23:00). Down an outfielder, what will the Braves' four-man rotation look like (27:00)? Plus, it will be a grueling start to the year for Atlanta, as they're pitted against the Rays and Mets (30:00).

DOB and EOF dive into The Athletic's Britt Ghiroli's story about the informal scrimmages hosted at Eric Cressey's, New York Yankees Director of Player Health and Performance, facility, which was abundant with top-tier MLB talent; including Max Scherzer, Justin Verlander, Paul Goldschmidt and Atlanta's own Luke Jackson (7:15). The duo contemplate how thrilling this "Fight Club"/"Prohibition Games" would have been to witness, and detail specifics from the informal games. What if something goes terribly wrong this year? The Bravos Boys use Ken's Rosenthal's recent piece as a springboard to discuss MLB's management of these unique circumstances, and the absence of a distinct "right" way to handle a phenomena like this (18:45). Rosenthal describes the lack of confidence from those within the sport in regards to how team members will conduct themselves once they leave the field (24:15). Lastly, Minnesota is prohibiting coaches Bob McClure and Bill Evers from working games this season. Adding more questions to how to manage those deemed at-risk (28:45).

DOB and EOF welcome The Athletic's Washington Nationals beat reporter Britt Ghiroli to today's program (2:15)! The trio tackle player opt outs ahead of the truncated season, including the Nationals' Ryan Zimmerman and Joe Ross. Ghiroli provides insight into both athletes' decisions to step back from the diamond this season. After, the podcasters discuss the Rockies' Ian Desmond's emotionally charged social media post informing fans of his intention to not play this season (10:30). The trio cite the uncertainty this season holds as one of the reasons players may be electing to sit out. In addition, the gaggle of gabbers highlight other factors that might be detouring players from participating this year (15:45). The triumvirate circle back around to Desmond's comments about clubhouse culture, wherein Eric corroborates some of Desmond's points (32:45). Lastly, the Bravos Boys comb through Atlanta's 60-player pool (42:45).

DOB and EOF are overjoyed to have baseball back! The two dish on expanded 60-man rosters and a range of health protocols (:30) before diving into Ken Rosenthal and Evan Drellich's report on MLB's operation manual. David and Eric answer 12 of the biggest questions about the condensed season (13:15), including but not limited to: Is it possible for a team to run out of players? If so, what happens (17:45); What rule changes will be implemented this year (19:45); Will teams actually make trades (25:30); How will the league handle celebrations, sunflower seeds, etc. (30:30), and how will testing work (38:00)? The guys examine details from Jayson Stark about the structure of team schedules (43:15), and discuss the shortened season's impact on Atlanta (48:00).

DOB and EOF continue to answer the myriad listener questions submitted during baseball's hiatus. One question asks about Eric's minor league misadventure living in a college dorm while university classes were still in session (7:10). Would Ozuna share information about pitch tipping in last year's NLDS game against St. Louis with Mike Foltynewicz (13:10)? What's the craziest fan comment ever directed at Eric (22:15)? EOF enlightens us about the rigors associated with recovering from Tommy John surgery (37:15). Before calling it a week, the guys thumb through the latest from the MLB labor negotiations (45:30).

DOB and EOF remain impressed by your questions and entertain more in today's show (1:30), including: Which players, that David and Eric have seen, have flashed the best fastball, change-up, sinker, et al. (4:15); Could MLB "lockout" its players (12:30) and is Tony Clark's time as Executive Director of MLBPA done (18:35)? The Bravos Boys dig into Rob Manfred's ambivalence regarding a season as well as his, and the owners, public image (23:15). Plus, Trevor Bauer nailed his analysis of MLB's protracted negotiations in a series of searing tweets (40:15).

Finally, we have some damn baseball content to discuss and be excited about. DOB & EOF fully flesh out the details of Atlanta's 2020 draft picks, but before then, the duo deliberate the catalyst for the increased volume of college players selected in this year's draft (5:00). The Bravos Boys introduce Atlanta's newest first-round pitching prospect, Jared Shuster, and discuss his arsenal, projected fit in Atlanta's rotation, his struggles early in his career at Wake Forest and what adjustments he made to improve his mechanics (8:00). Why is Atlanta enamored by their fifth-round choice, Bryce Elder, and where does the organization envision him as a sinker/slider hurler (20:45)? Is Jesse Franklin left fielder or the future (28:30), and should Braves fan consider ex-Clemson pitcher, Spencer Strider, a steal (34:20)? Plus, how will collegiate baseball be impacted by MLB clubs only being able to offer a $20K bonus (45:00)?

DOB & EOF field more listener questions in today's show, including: What was the worst team David and Eric covered or played on, respectively (2:30); If Atlanta were to win a World Series title under these current circumstances, how would their accomplishment be perceived (23:40); Who was the most talented player the Bravos Boys witnessed that never completely lived up to his potential (31:45); What's the ideal outfield line-up and which position could use an infusion of veteran presence (39:00); What are DOB's and EOF's favorite ballpark foods (43:15) and their top baseball memory (57:45)?

DOB & EOF welcome The Athletic's senior baseball writer, Jayson Stark, to the program to evaluate the current position of Major League Baseball. The trio tackle the concept of an illegal strike (2:30) and MLB's tone deaf nature (9:45). Is MLBPA hamstrung by having Tony Clark at the helm (20:30)? What ramifications can we expect when/if the Minor League season is canceled (28:15)? Plus, the ripple effects associated with the condensed MLB Draft (37:30).

DOB and EOF converse about the players' union's steadfastness in the face of MLB owners' economic proposal despite mounting pressure to start the season (2:30). Eric identifies similarities between his experience with arbitration and the current negotiations (12:00). The duo commiserate over minor leaguers losing their jobs and postulate the implications moving forward of young players' willingness to choose baseball over other sports (25:30). Eric regales us with tales from his minor league days (37:30), including: an impromptu demolition derby, a dry ice bomb fiasco and driving over 150-miles-per-hour outside of Las Vegas.

The 755 Is Real mailbag never fails to impress. DOB & EOF answer your Braves, baseball and show related questions that were submitted on Twitter (2:30), including: Configuring the 2020 rotation, Eric's craziest clubhouse prank and what pitch would he have added to his repertoire had time/injury not been a factor and more! The Bravos Boys update us on the latest from the MLB/MLBPA negotiations (45:45).