In an unexpected announcement, Warner Bros. Discovery revealed that longtime broadcaster Ernie Johnson will be temporarily stepping away from hosting duties for MLB broadcasts on TBS for the remainder of the season and throughout the postseason. MLB Network's Greg Amsinger has been tapped as Johnson's replacement, according to the network.

Johnson expressed his gratitude to TNT Sports for granting him the necessary time off to tend to a family matter during the baseball season. He assured fans that he is looking forward to returning to the studio for the start of the NBA season.

While Johnson is best known for his work on Inside The NBA alongside basketball legends Kenny Smith, Charles Barkley, and Shaquille O'Neal, he has been the host of all TBS studio coverage for the network's weekly national baseball broadcasts since 2020. He has also been an integral part of TBS's postseason coverage.

The broadcaster's involvement in baseball dates back even further, as he served in the same role for TBS from 2007 to 2009 alongside Cal Ripken Jr. Additionally, Johnson was the network's lead play-by-play commentator for the 2010 MLB season.

Although Johnson's absence will be felt during this year's MLB on TBS coverage, fans can expect Amsinger to maintain the high quality of the broadcast. Amsinger, known for his work on MLB Network, brings a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role.

With Major League Baseball returning to TBS national airwaves after a week off for the All-Star Break, viewers can tune in to witness the new dynamic of the pre- and post-game broadcasts under Amsinger's guidance.

The exact nature of Johnson's family matter was not disclosed in the announcement. However, it is clear that he values the support of TNT Sports during this time and is appreciative of the understanding extended to him.

As the broadcasting community sends their well wishes to Johnson, fans await his return to the NBA studio while they adjust to the fresh perspective Amsinger will bring to MLB coverage.