Austin Riley says hello to the Big Leagues

Austin Riley was called up to the majors a week and a half ago, and his start couldn’t be any more impressive. In 9 games, he has already hit 5 home runs and 12 RBIs while his batting average is .389 so far. He was a major factor in the Braves 5-4 victory over the Giants today.

The Braves were down 4-2 in the 8th inning when he hit a 2-run home run to tie the game up. Then in the 13th inning with Dansby Swanson on 2nd, he hit a single to drive in the game-winning run and his third RBI of the game. On a day where Ronald Acuna, Freddie Freeman, and Josh Donaldson hit a combined 2-17, Riley was a bright spot.

There's no way he can keep up this torrid pace, but no one expects that out of him anyway. If he can stay anywhere near this level of play, the Braves will be happy.

Where he plays defensively will have to be figured out once Ender Inciarte comes back from the IL. Inciarte is a much better defender, considering his three consecutive gold gloves, but has nowhere near Austin Riley's hitting potential. Riley would prefer to play third base rather than left field anyways. The only problem is that Josh Donaldson has more than earned his spot at the hot corner. These details will work themselves out as the season goes on.

Riley's arrival to The Show just solidifies the youth movement that the Braves have been building the past few years. With players such as Ronald Acuna and Ozzie Albies and now Riley, the Braves look dangerous. They look like they could possibly win the NL East again this year, and are only going to improve in the years to come. It all depends on the high-flying bats of players like Austin Riley. I can't wait to watch him play games at Suntrust Park for years to come.