Atlanta, GA
Braves look to even the series with AJ Smith-Shawver starting against Rays
Following a tough Friday that saw them begin it with a walk-off straight onto a plane Atlanta and end it with a loss in Tampa, the Atlanta Braves are now attempting to bounce back in the middle game of this three-game series with the Rays.
AJ Smith-Shawver will be getting the ball to start tonight’s game and it’s clear that the Braves are surely hoping that this’ll be the night where he puts together something resembling a complete start. He’s made a couple of starts so far this year and in both of them, he’s had plenty of traffic to deal with on the basepaths as he gave up six hits in his season debut and then seven in his most recent appearance, with three walks in each of those outings. As a result, he still has yet to make it through five innings so far.
With that being said, one thing that Smith-Shawver has going for him is that he has been inducing a lot of whiffs so far. Hopefully he’ll be able to turn those whiffs into more strikeouts, as he went from four in his season debut to six in his most recent outing. This may not be the most ideal situation to try to go for strikeouts, as the Rays are entering this game with only a 19.9 percent strikeout rate. With that being said, that’s certainly not going to stop AJSS from trying and if he can continue to ramp up his strikeout numbers then this could be the moment where he finally gets a quality start under his belt.
Meanwhile, Drew Rasmussen is getting the ball for the Rays and he’s gotten off to a very solid start to the season for the Rays so far. He’s thrown 10 innings over two starts and gone five innings in each of those starts with four strikeouts and just one walk so far. It took everything the Rangers had just to scratch a run past him during his last outing and Texas had to win it in walk-off fashion once Rasmussen was gone from the game.
Rasmussen has a five-pitch arsenal but he’ll be leaning on his cutter while occasionally going to a four-seamer and sinker while rarely breaking out the sweeper and curveball. He’s done a good job of avoiding getting barreled up so far and as I mentioned in the previous article, he’s largely avoided giving out free passes and that’s part of the reason why he’s gotten off to such a solid start for the Rays so far. He’s also avoided giving up a homer as well. Rasmussen appears likely to deliver a tough challenge to the Braves tonight but what else is new as far as this season goes for Atlanta?
Sometimes I like to look at the FanGraphs live scoreboard before the games start since they usually give an analytical prediction on how the game goes. Usually, the Braves have had the higher odds of victory — today is not one of those days, as FanGraphs is giving the Rays a 57 percent shot to win this one. If we’re being completely honest, the pitching matchup certainly tilts in favor of the Rays and the Braves are still trying to figure out a way to get into a good run of consistency here in 2025.
With that being said, this is still baseball — you still have to go out there on the diamond and make it happen. Hopefully the Braves will be able to figure it out today and play a complete game, themselves. If that happens, this team still has the talent to play with anybody on any given day. Hopefully today’s one of those days!
Game Info
Game Date/Time: Saturday, April 12, 4:10 p.m. EDT
Location: George M. Steinbrenner Field, Tampa, FL
TV: FanDuel Sports South/Southeast
Streaming: MLB.tv
Radio: 680 AM / 93.7 FM The Fan
Atlanta, GA
Atlanta Ballet Returns to the Fox Theatre to Present Cinderella for One Weekend Only This Fall
Photo above: Glass slipper scene from a past Atlanta Ballet production of Cinderella, provided by the Atlanta Ballet
Tickets on sale for Atlanta Ballet 2’s limited three-performance run of the beloved fairytale at the city’s iconic theatre
ATLANTA (June 19, 2026) – Atlanta Ballet is set to return to the Fox Theatre for the first time since 2019 as Atlanta Ballet 2 presents three performances of Cinderella. For one weekend only, Oct. 16-17, dancers from Atlanta Ballet 2 and the Atlanta Ballet Centre for Dance Education will perform one of the world’s most beloved fairy tales on the city’s iconic stage, marking an exclusive homecoming for the company.
Cinderella tells the timeless story of kindness, perseverance and the search for true love. Part of Atlanta Ballet’s family ballet series, the one-hour, family-friendly production is designed to introduce young audiences to the art of ballet, transporting them into a world of enchantment through immersive storytelling, vibrant costumes, imaginative sets and beloved characters.
“Having the opportunity to perform at The Fox is very meaningful for our Atlanta Ballet 2 dancers,” said Gennadi Nedvigin, artistic director of Atlanta Ballet. “The theatre with its whimsical decor is deeply rooted in Atlanta’s cultural history and returning there with Cinderella allows us to share a timeless story with new generations in the magical environment.”
Choreographed by Bruce Wells, this version of Cinderella blends classical choreography with narration to suit audiences of all ages. Wells is internationally acclaimed for his role as a former soloist with New York City Ballet, where he performed works by George Balanchine, Jerome Robbins, Frederick Ashton and Anthony Tudor. Audiences may also recognize Wells’ previous Atlanta Ballet 2 works, including Beauty and the Beast, Swan Princess and Snow White.
While the Fox Theatre engagement offers audiences an opportunity to see Atlanta Ballet perform on one of the city’s most iconic stages, the company’s primary performance home will remain the Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre. Following the October performances, all Atlanta Ballet productions, including the annual Nutcracker, will continue to be presented at Cobb Energy Performing Arts Centre.
For more information and to purchase Fox Theatre pre-sale tickets, visit www.atlantaballet.com
Public ticket sales begin June 19.
About Atlanta Ballet:
Founded in 1929, Atlanta Ballet is one of the premier dance companies in the country and the official state Ballet of Georgia. Atlanta Ballet’s eclectic repertoire spans ballet history, highlighted by beloved classics and inventive originals. After 96 seasons, Atlanta Ballet continues its commitment to share and educate audiences on the empowering joy of dance. In 1996, Atlanta Ballet opened the Centre for Dance Education, which is dedicated to nurturing young dancers while providing an outlet for adults to express their creativity. Atlanta Ballet’s roots remain firmly grounded in the Atlanta community and continue to play a vital role in the city’s cultural growth and revitalization. For more information, visit www.atlantaballet.com, follow us on Instagram @atlantaballet, and like us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/atlantaballet.
About the Fox Theatre:
The Fox Theatre is one of Atlanta’s premier venues for live entertainment, welcoming more than 200 performances a year in its 4,665-seat theatre. From concerts to ballets, comedy, and movies, the historic venue attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually. The theatre also hosts over 100 annual private events such as wedding receptions, trade shows, corporate meetings, and association functions in two stunning ballrooms. The Fox’s premium Marquee Club presented by Lexus is a 10,000 sq. ft, three-story luxury lounge accessible to all Club Level ticket holders or annual members of the Fox Theatre.
As a 501(c)(3) nonprofit arts organization, the Fox Theatre stands today as a fiercely protected landmark and a nationally acclaimed theatre. In alignment with its guiding principles, the Fox Theatre is committed to fostering an environment rooted in diversity, equity, and inclusion—onstage, backstage, and throughout the staff and guest experience.
The Fox Theatre proudly acknowledges its partners’ generous support: Coca-Cola, Georgia Natural Gas, Georgian Terrace Hotel & Livingston Restaurant, Humana, Lexus, Northside Hospital, Regions Bank, and Casamigos Tequila. Tickets for all events are available at FoxTheatre.org, or toll-free at 855-285-8499. Stay connected by following the Fox Theatre on social via @theFoxTheatre on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Atlanta, GA
Injury Update: Michael Harris II improving but could go on IL
Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters prior to tonight’s game against the Milwaukee Brewers that center fielder Michael Harris II could go on the IL with lower back issues if it doesn’t improve in the coming days.
The team is hopeful an IL-stint can be avoided as he is semmingly doing better and he is receiving treatment and could be available tonight, but Mauricio Dubón is starting in place of Harris II in center field.
Harris II left the June 16 game and also missed time earlier this month with lower back tightness. With monsoon season hitting the Atlanta-area, the wet conditions have wrecked the team’s schedule, but also created non-ideal conditions on the field, including on the 16th when Harris II left the contest.
It’s not good news – but it isn’t bad news either.
Atlanta, GA
YMCA of Metro Atlanta Partners with Trae Young Family Foundation to Unveil 8 New Pickleball Courts with ‘First Dink’ Celebration
New courts will bring access to one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports through youth programming, recreational play and community wellness initiatives
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta distributed the following announcement about the opening of new pickleball courts in East Cobb:
The YMCA of Metro Atlanta celebrated the grand opening of eight brand-new pickleball courts at its McCleskey-East Cobb Family YMCA location with a “First Dink” ceremony Wednesday, June 17. The new courts expand opportunities for community members of all ages to stay active, build connections and enjoy one of the nation’s fastest-growing sports.
The event featured remarks by leaders from the YMCA of Metro Atlanta and the Trae Young Family Foundation, followed by a ceremonial “First Dink.” Players from the Atlanta Bouncers, the city’s first professional pickleball team, closed out the celebration with a clinic, introducing community members to the game through demonstrations and hands-on play.
Made possible through donations from the Trae Young Family Foundation, YMCA of the USA and the YMCA community, the new pickleball courts will enhance a variety of YMCA programming, including youth camp camps, recreational play, leagues and opportunities for families and older adults to strengthen their physical and social well-being through active lifestyles.
“At the YMCA of Metro Atlanta, we believe everyone deserves opportunities to connect, grow and thrive through healthy living,” said Lauren Koontz, president and CEO of the YMCA of Metro Atlanta. “These new pickleball courts will provide a welcoming space where children, families and older adults can build relationships, stay active and experience the joy of play together. We are grateful to the Trae Young Family Foundation and all the donors for helping make this investment in our community possible.”
As pickleball continues to grow in popularity nationwide, the YMCA of Metro Atlanta remains committed to creating accessible opportunities for people of all ages and abilities to pursue healthier lifestyles and meaningful connections. The new courts at the McCleskey East-Cobb Family YMCA represent the latest example of the organization’s dedication to strengthening communities through youth development, healthy living and social responsibility.
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