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MLB rumors: 5 prospects who can help the Braves in 2019

By Brad Berreman

PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Touki Toussaint #62 of the Atlanta Braves warms up prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Mets at First Data Field on February 23, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
PORT ST. LUCIE, FLORIDA - FEBRUARY 23: Touki Toussaint #62 of the Atlanta Braves warms up prior to the Grapefruit League spring training game against the New York Mets at First Data Field on February 23, 2019 in Port St. Lucie, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images) /
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Mandatory Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images
Mandatory Credit: Michael Reaves/Getty Images /

4. 3B Austin Riley

Austin Riley is currently blocked by Josh Donaldson at third base for the Braves, and even with a recent upturn he’s off to a fairly slow start in Triple-A (.206/.275/.333 slash-line, albeit with two home runs and seven RBI, through April 20). But he has hit well at all levels of the minors, with two 20 home run seasons (2016, 2017) and he had 19 dingers last year as he reached Triple-A. Overall in 2018, he hit .294/.360/.522 with those 19 home runs, 70 RBI and 30 doubles.

Donaldson is off to a fairly slow start himself (.243, two home runs, .776 OPS through April 20), but as long as he’s healthy and Atlanta is in contention he’s probably not going anywhere. That being said, Riley could hit his way onto the doorstep for a promotion and force a tough decision on the Braves. If Donaldson has any injury issues or he doesn’t start to hit as he has in the past, Riley would be the obvious call-up.

With steady progress and improving defensive play at the hot corner, Riley may have to wait to make his major league debut, with a better chance to stick in 2020. However there’s a chance, perhaps increasing as the season goes on, for a big league promotion this year.

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