Austin Riley Expected To Begin 2021 Season At 3B
4 years agoThe Atlanta Braves expect Austin Riley to begin the 2021 season at third base, which is why the club is more focused on adding a left fielder than a third baseman, according to a source. Riley started 45 games at third base in 2020 but also saw some time in left field. The 23-year-old power bat slashed .239/.301/.415 with eight home runs and 27 RBI in 51 games (188 at-bats) during the shortened season. He hit just .226 but slugged 18 home runs and drove in 49 runs in 80 games in his rookie season in 2019. George Springer, Jackie Bradley Jr., Michael Brantley, Eddie Rosario, Joc Pederson, Jurickson Profar and Adam Duvall are all available, and it's unclear if the Braves are still considering re-signing Marcell Ozuna. If Ozuna doesn't return, they'll hope Riley and others can help replace the 18 home runs and 56 RBI that Ozuna produced while playing on a one-year deal.
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi
Source: MLB Network - Jon Morosi