What should Atlanta Braves do with Austin Riley to start 2020?

One of the ramifications of Josh Donaldson spurning the Atlanta Braves is where Austin Riley starts the upcoming season.

When the Atlanta Braves called Austin Riley up last May, he made an immediate impact by homering in his first game. He hit 11 home runs in his first month as the Braves primary left fielder.

Then the league predictably adjusted and Riley had a difficult time adjusting back. From July 2nd through the end of the season, Riley hit just .156 with four homers and 12 RBI.

Once the offseason started, it seemed like Riley was destined for Triple-A to continue to work on his swing, so that he would inevitably make his return to the big leagues this summer.

But with Josh Donaldson no longer manning third base, there at least seems like a possibility Riley starts the season in Atlanta. This is assuming the Braves don’t add a power bat at third base.

The Braves could platoon Riley with Nick Markakis in left field, but that would mean he spends a fair amount of time on the bench, which seems unproductive for a young player who needs consistent at-bats.

A plus side to platooning Riley with Markakis, however, is the Braves could rid themselves of Adam Duvall’s $3.25 million contract.

The last option, which might actually be the smartest play, is to indeed send Riley to Gwinnett for seasoning and let him determine when he gets called back up.

Prediction

It seems crazy to think the Braves will not add a power bat, so when/if that happens, then Riley can start at Triple-A.

If he rakes to start the year, then call him up as soon as needed, and figure out then what to do with Duvall.

Riley will be an asset and I think sooner rather than later, but rushing the process would be detrimental for not only him but the Braves as well.

In the long run, the patience will undoubtedly pay off.