Atlanta Braves: Five Players to Watch Closely During Spring Training

ATLANTA, GEORGIA - OCTOBER 04: Brian Snitker #43 of the Atlanta Braves looks on from the dugout in game two of the National League Division Series against the St. Louis Cardinals at SunTrust Park on October 04, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

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ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 22: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during a game against the San Francisco Giants at SunTrust Park on September 22, 2019 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

4. Has Austin Riley Learned From a Rough End to 2019?

Austin Riley is the underdog at third base heading into the 2020 season for the simple fact he struggled so badly at the end of 2019. Johan Camargo had a great 2018 season and is likely going to head into the season as the starting third baseman.

The biggest threat to him winning the starting job will be Austin Riley. Riley is a threat to hit the ball out of the park every time he steps up to the plate he has loads of power and very little plate discipline.

A fact that came back to haunt him after a torrid first month with the big league club. The rest of his time with Atlanta saw him chase virtually every pitch thrown his way. Once they accrued enough tape on Riley pitchers adjusted to throw out of the zone and Riley acquiesced chasing pitches for the remainder of the season and his power numbers plummeted because of it.

To have a shot at winning the job this spring Riley is going to have to consistently show he has adjusted and improved his pitch recognition. If not, it will be Camargo at third base on Opening Day.

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