Braves' Austin Riley: Could help fill in for Freeman
Braves manager Brian Snitker mentioned Riley, Adam Duvall and Johan Camargo as possible first-base options in the event Freddie Freeman (illness) isn't available for the start of the season, Gabe Burns of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution reports.
Freeman has reportedly experienced some serious side effects since testing positive for COVID-19 a few days earlier and may not be back to full strength for the Braves' Opening Day game July 23 and 24, prompting Snitker to explore potential replacement options in summer camp. The implementation of the universal designated hitter already looked like it would give Riley a clear path to an everyday role, and Freeman's potential absence may only further solidify the 23-year-old's spot in the lineup. After an up-and-down rookie season, Riley was one of the Braves' top performers in spring training, slashing .357/.438/.643 while striking out in only five of his 28 at-bats.
