Austin Riley Could Be Moved To First Base
4 years agoIf Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman, who tested positive for COVID-19, isn't ready for the start of the regular season, third baseman/outfielder Austin Riley could fill in at first base. Either Riley or Johan Camargo will likely start the year at the hot corner. “Austin has looked really good [at first base],” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’d be fine defensively there. There’s no doubt in my mind.” Adam Duvall is also capable of playing first base, but he could see time in left field, especially with Nick Markakis opting not to play in 2020. Yonder Alonso and Peter O'Brien are also candidate for first, but they'd have to be added to the 40-man roster. No matter how you slice it, Riley's fantasy value is on the rise with the designated hitter in play, Freeman potentially missing the start of the year and Markakis sitting out. The young slugger can give fantasy owners plenty of power, but he'll need to make more contact to become more of a complete player.
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman