By Kevin McAlpin
Braves Radio Network
Braves fans, you’ve been asking for it, and the day is finally here. Wednesday, the club is expected to call up Austin Riley to the Big Leagues following Ender Inciarte’s departure Tuesday night with lower back tightness. Inciarte was injured running the bases after a third inning walk and was replaced in center field by Ronald Acuña. Riley, who has been red hot at the plate at Gwinnett hit a grand slam on Tuesday evening, his 13th homer in the span of his last 68 at bats.
A third baseman by trade, Riley was expected to get reps in the outfield during spring training to help his versatility. But after playing just one game there in March, Riley spent most of his time at third and first base in Grapefruit League contests. But lately, at Triple-A, Riley has begun appearing in left field more frequently. As a matter of fact, he stayed four of the last six games in left for the Stripers.
The Braves have held firm that players will tell you when they’re ready. Riley’s bat has done all the talking in the first month and a half of the season, and with the injury to Inciarte, a spot has finally been opened for the 22 year old. Riley has been a guy that’s been on the radar of Hall of Famers Bobby Cox and Chipper Jones for the last few years. And now, Riley gets his opportunity starting on Wednesday evening as the Braves continue their three game set against the Cardinals at SunTrust Park.
Kevin McAlpin has covered the Braves since 2012 for @680TheFan and the @BravesRadioNet.
