In Detroit, Tony Paul notes FS Detroit has "officially eliminated the 'players-only' telecasts for Tigers games, a format that debuted in April to much hype by network brass -- but wildly mixed reviews from viewership." Plans "called for 17 total broadcasts" featuring former players only, but the "plan was cut off after just three." FS Detroit has "confirmed play-by-play man Matt Shepard will do the rest of the games." The RSN "hasn't ruled out bringing the format back" for the '20 season (DETROIT NEWS, 8/7).
MUST-SEE TV: In Atlanta, Tim Tucker notes Braves-Twins on Monday night was the "most-watched game in the Atlanta TV market this season" on FS South or FS Southeast, drawing a 5.13 rating. For the season to date, the NL East-leading Braves are averaging a 3.39 local rating, up 8% from a 3.13 at the same point last year (ATLANTA JOURNAL-CONSTITUTION, 8/7).
OVER THE TOP: In St. Louis, Dan Caesar notes Cardinals-Dodgers today "won't be on television," as the contest is part of MLB's package of YouTube games this season. YouTube will have "exclusive video coverage" of the 3:10pm ET game. Fans will have "free access to the feed, and it is not necessary to have a YouTube account to watch." Former MLBers Jason Marquis and Nomar Garciaparra will be analysts, alongside play-by-play broadcaster Rich Waltz. The YouTube games are "being produced by MLB Network" (ST. LOUIS POST-DISPATCH, 8/7).
