Atlanta Braves Austin Riley’s Arrival Date Moving Closer
By Kit Anderson
Atlanta Braves third base prospect Austin Riley could soon arrive on the scene in Atlanta. Riley is heating up in Triple-A and looks close to ready to take on third base every day for the Braves.
Watching Jose Bautista play third base for the Atlanta Braves has been surprising. Bautista’s defense has been mostly adequate it is his offense that is failing. Bautista is cold at the plate right now and seems unable to help the offense.
He is at a point to where the old saying applies, I am not sure if he fell out of a boat he would hit the water. Luckily for the Braves, they have other options including Ryan Flaherty and young prospect Austin Riley.
Riley has flashed in power in the minors and shown he is closer than some pundits expected him to be. Coming into today Riley has hit .325 with the team including three home runs.
His defense is getting better with every game that passes and he is the future for the Braves at third. It will be interesting to watch how quickly the Braves pull the trigger.
Considering the mistake they made with Dansby Swanson and the patience with Ronald Acuna Jr. it could be longer than fans expect. A patient approach to ensure Riley keeps hitting and is truly ready to adjust.
It is a huge adjustment that not all kids are ready or built for. By all accounts, Riley is ready and is the Braves third baseman of the future.
Still, a patient approach cannot hurt. With Flaherty and Bautista, the Braves could cover third base long enough to ensure Riley keeps hitting.
If he does it wouldn’t be at all surprising to see the rookie before the all-star break. He could bring yet another young and talented bat to a stacked lineup. Updates to follow as Riley continues to progress towards joining the Braves’ roster.