Austin Riley

Austin Riley is expected to begin the 2021 season at third base, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.

Fantasy Impact

Morosi added that the Braves are more focused on adding a left fielder than they are a third baseman so that would give Riley the opportunity to begin the year at the hot corner. He started 45 games at third base last year but got some run in left field and third base as well. Riley isn't known for his defense but Atlanta must feel comfortable enough having him start the year at third.

Austin Riley played the hero on Monday when he went 1-for-4 with a home run in the Braves 5-1 victory over the Dodgers in Game 1 of the NLCS.

Fantasy Impact

Riley broke up a 1-1 tie in the top of the ninth inning when he uncorked a solo blast off Blake Treinen to dead center field. It was his only hit of the night but it sure was a big one as Atlanta tacked on three more insurance runs to to take Game 1 of the series. It was the 23-year old's first career postseason home run and he's now slashing .238/.333/.381 across 21 at-bats in six playoff games this year.

Braves manager Brian Snitker says Austin Riley (quad) is expected to be ready for the team's Wild Card series versus the Reds.

Fantasy Impact

"He's been hitting every day. I don't know that he will be 100 percent when we start the games tomorrow but he will be good to go," Snitker said. Riley has been dealing with some minor quad tightness but seems likely to be on the team's Round 1 roster.

Austin Riley (quad) hasn't played since September 22nd but his injury is not considered serious and he is day-to-day. Look for the Braves to update his status before their next game.

Fantasy Impact

Riley is slashing .239/.295/.418 with eight home runs over 184 at-bats this season. He had been hot prior to his injury slashing .296/.345/.481 in his last 27 at-bats. Owners in standard 12-team redraft leagues can move on from Riley because his playing time is in doubt due to the injury.

Braves third baseman Austin Riley went 2-for-5 with a solo home run, an RBI, three runs scored, and a walk in Friday's blowout win over the New York Mets. The homer was his eighth of the season.

Fantasy Impact

Riley now has hits in three straight games, with multiple hits in two of those contests, to raise his batting average to .243 on the season.