Austin Riley gets the night off, as Braves search for answers offensively
The Braves just put up six runs over three games in a horrendous series against the Mets in Queens to begin the week, and as they return home to Truist Park, they continue to make tweaks to their lineup. This time, sitting Austin Riley entirely, with Mauricio Dubon getting the nod at third base. Holmes […]
The Braves just put up six runs over three games in a horrendous series against the Mets in Queens to begin the week, and as they return home to Truist Park, they continue to make tweaks to their lineup. This time, sitting Austin Riley entirely, with Mauricio Dubon getting the nod at third base.
Holmes on the hill
pic.twitter.com/jtjTjbGMNL
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 30, 2026
Once again, Drake Baldwin will hit leadoff, one of the few players who’s had success with the stick in recent days. Ronald Acuña Jr. is back in the second spot, which could be something we see the rest of the way as Walt Weiss tries to break up the left-handed hitters at the top of the order.
But the big story is obviously Riley’s absence. He gets the night off after a miserable series in New York in which he went 0-for-10 with eight strikeouts. It’s been one step forward and three steps back for Riley all season. He seemed to finally be finding a groove, and then he turns in a five-game stretch where it doesn’t look like he’s ever seen major-league pitching before.
For what it’s worth, this is unlikely to be something that lasts more than a couple of games. The Braves aren’t going to give up on the highest-paid player in franchise history this early — no matter how atrocious he’s been. However, giving Austin Riley a day or two off to clear his head can’t hurt at this point.
(Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire)
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