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Atlanta Braves: Five Moves For Braves to Make Before Opening Day

By Deke Lloyd

ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 13: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts on the way to homeplate as he scores on a RBI single by Freddie Freeman #5 in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins during game two of a doubleheader at SunTrust Park on August 13, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images)
ATLANTA, GA - AUGUST 13: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts on the way to homeplate as he scores on a RBI single by Freddie Freeman #5 in the fifth inning against the Miami Marlins during game two of a doubleheader at SunTrust Park on August 13, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /
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LAKE BUENA VISTA, FL – FEBRUARY 22: Austin Riley #83 of the Atlanta Braves poses for a photo during photo days at Champion Stadium on February 22, 2018 in Lake Buena Vista, Florida (Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images) /

5. Keep Austin Riley in the Majors

Austin Riley is the Braves top non-pitching prospect. He’s a third baseman but has been getting outfield reps at the start of this Spring Training. This tells me that the Braves are liking what they see from him and looking to for a place for him so he can stay up this year. Josh Donaldson, the Braves starting third basemen, is a mystery when it comes to health. It’s no guarantee that Donaldson will be able to stay healthy this season.

That means there might be a place for Riley sooner than later. Yes, Riley is still a raw prospect who could cut down on his strikeouts, but he’s a player who can breathe some fresh air into this lineup, like Albies and Acuna last season.

The Braves were unwilling to give this guy up in any of the trade talks held for J.T. Realmuto, so that means this team is pretty high on this kid. I hope the Braves are willing to give this kid a shot at making the 40 man roster. Him making it may mean an extra reliever wouldn’t be on the squad to start the year, but if Riley can play, he needs to be with the Braves full-time.

Next. Braves Off-season Targets. dark

No doubt there are plenty of moves the Braves could make before Opening Day. Be sure and comment below who you believe the Braves should add before Opening Day.

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