Atlanta Braves Reinstate Austin Riley among Flurry of Moves

Austin Riley is back with the Atlanta Braves, along with a pitcher who has yet to give up a run this season.

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley is back with the team. / Jordan Godfree-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Braves reinstated third baseman Austin Riley from the Paternity List on Thursday. Corresponding moves, they designated shortstop Zack Short for assignment and called up right-handed pitcher Daysbel Hernández for extra pitching help. 

The #Braves today reinstated INF Austin Riley from the paternity list and designated INF Zack Short for assignment. Additionally, the club recalled RHP Daysbel Hernández to Atlanta.

— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 25, 2024

Riley exited Monday’s game in the ninth inning after learning the birth of his second child was imminent. 

He was able to sit out a maximum of three games, but thanks to rain, he only had to miss two before rejoining his teammates in Queens. 

Through 86 games this season, Riley has batted .255 with a .776 OP, 13 home runs and 40 RBIs. However, recently he’s looked much better at the plate than his season numbers indicate. Since June 1, he’s batting .283 with a .909 OPS, 10 home runs and 22 RBIs. Much closer to what we’ve gotten accustomed to over the last couple seasons. 

Short departs from Atlanta after a very lackluster tenure. In 29 games he batted .137 and primarily served in a backup role. At this point, the Braves appear to be committed to giving infield prospect Nacho Alvarez a chance to contribute long-term at the big-league level. 

The offensive upside is greater than Short’s and Orlando Arcia is a strong defensive option at shortstop. The space on the roster simply ran out. 

Meanwhile, Hernández gets another chance at the big league level. He’s actually been a nice arm to have in the bullpen when in the Majors. In nine appearances, he’s yet to give up a run and he doesn't give up a lot of baserunners - his WHIP is 0.931. 

He’s mainly been the victim of having the minor league options during roster shuffles. With the latest struggles by the Braves pitching staff, an arm with a scoreless track record will be welcomed. 

The Braves start their crucial road series with the New York Mets on Thursday. First pitch is scheduled for 7:10 p.m. The Mets are one of the hottest teams in baseball. They're 7-3 in their last 10 games and are coming off a three-game sweep of the Yankees in the Subway Series.