The Atlanta Braves' 2025 performance hasn't been perfect, but things have begun improving in recent weeks. With Thursday's 5-2 home win over the rival Washington Nationals, the Braves have now won 17 of their last 26 games, improving their season record to 22-22, putting them six games back of the Philadelphia Phillies for the NL East lead.
As great as it was to see the Braves add another win to their total, the latest victory was far from perfect. Third baseman Austin Riley came under scrutiny during the sixth inning when he failed to field a routine ground ball, resulting in an error that allowed the Nationals to score a run (h/t @Eric35_Yu).
Even though his gaff didn't cost the Braves the win, Riley's latest blunder has left the Braves without any other options.
Braves Must Temporarily Bench Austin Riley as Errors Mount
If Braves manager Brian Snitker wants to get his All-Star third baseman back on track defensively, it might be time to discuss temporarily benching Riley for a game or two.
Offensively, Riley hasn't given fans much to be worried about. The two-time Silver Slugger is slashing .286/.330/.462 with eight home runs, 26 RBIs, and 10 walks in his first 44 appearances (182 at-bats) in 2025.
His defensive play, especially recently, is a completely different story.
According to The Athletic's David O'Brien, Riley went from having two errors in his first 36 games this season to recording four in the last eight games alone. Although his recently poor stretch might not last forever, Thursday's error indicates that his defensive slump might not end anytime soon.
Although he's never won a Gold Glove before, Riley's defensive play was never this poor. It wouldn't be surprising if his recent error-filled appearances stem from his having yet to experience a day off this season. Third base is one of the toughest and most demanding positions to play, and a temporary breather could do a lot to help him reverse course.
Even if the offense takes a dip without him for a game or two, doing whatever it takes to get Riley back on track is worth it. The last thing the Braves need is for his defensive play to worsen, especially amid all the pressure he's facing as one of their best players. The MLB campaign is a long one, and there's no shame in keeping Riley on the sidelines if it means improving the club's outlook.
Speaking of which, the Braves' 2025 World Series odds currently sit at +1500 (6th) on FanDuel Sportsbook following Thursday's win. It isn't unfathomable that those odds could become even more favorable if some much-needed rest helps Riley revert to his All-Star form.