Austin Riley silences haters with another display of raw power (Video)

Austin Riley has now gone deep in back-to-back games, silencing those calling for his demotion in the Braves lineup.

Riley, at his best, can be a buoy for the bottom half of the Braves lineup, which has had a tough time keeping up with the top half considering the electric start to the season of Ronald Acuña. Yet, this is often how lineups work, of course.

The 24-year-old has plenty of potential at the hot corner, and it’s why the Braves let Josh Donaldson walk and have yet to go out and make a major splash on the trade market to replace him. Atlanta has even flirted with the possibility of trading for Chicago Cubs third baseman Kris Bryant, only to balk at the final asking price. They seem fine settling with Riley for now, with the hopes he can become the sort of reliable power threat we’ve seen the last two games.

Riley got all of his blast on Friday night, while he took advantage of the Yankees short right-field porch in the finale of the Yankees series.

Austin Riley is worth keeping around for Atlanta Braves

With a multitude of third base options available in free agency next season, it would make sense for the Braves to see what they have in Riley at one more full season entering his prime.

Should he play to the level the Braves think he can, then they have no need at the position. If he falters again, then Alex Anthopoulos can consider other options, either internally or in free agency.