Braves Officially Trying to Get Austin Riley to Big League Roster In Outfield

Atlanta Braves prospect Austin Riley has been on fire recently for the Braves Triple-A affiliate, the Gwinnett Stripers. Now Atlanta is officially looking for ways to find a spot to get Riley's hot bat to the big leagues.

Riley who is hitting an even .300 on the season with 14 homers has been ripping minor league pitching apart. This includes a 492-foot bomb he hit on May 1 that was sent to dead center. The Braves are doing anything they can to try and find ways to get Riley MLB playing time.

Since the Braves already have a solid third basemen in Josh Donaldson, who is making $23 million this year, Atlanta is looking to move Riley into the outfield. The third base prospect has been getting playing time in left field as of late.

The possibility is there for Riley to make the switch to left field, and struggling Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte could be sent to the bench. This would open the door for Ronald Acuña Jr. to move to center field and Riley being called up to occupy left.

Riley played some outfield during Spring Training, and if he shows promise at the new position then he could be called up to replace Inciarte sooner rather than later. The 22-year-old should receive a call-up soon and he could represent a major boost to Atlanta's offense.