The Atlanta Braves are currently taking on the Washington Nationals in a four-game weekend set (in Atlanta).
Los Bravos picked up a win in game one of the series in come-from-behind fashion. On Friday, Atlanta will send starter Bryce Elder to the mound to oppose Nationals’ pitcher Foster Griffin. On Thursday, very notably, Austin Riley was given the day off due to his recent struggles.
On Friday, the Braves revealed their lineup for Friday night’s game, and it features Austin Riley.
More MLB on Heavy: Atlanta Braves Recent Player Cut by Current MLB Team
Austin Riley Back to Batting 7th on Friday
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JULY 26: Michael Harris II #23 of the Atlanta Braves celebrates with teammate Austin Riley #27 after scoring in the second inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 26, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
For Friday’s game, manager Walt Weiss has slotted Austin Riley back in his usual ‘7th’ spot in the batting order.
Here is the full Braves lineup, courtesy of @UnderdogMLB:Â
Braves 7/31: “R. Acuña Jr. RF D. Baldwin DH M. Olson 1B O. Albies 2B M. Harris II CF M. Dubón LF A. Riley 3B J. Bart C J. Jarvis SS B. Elder SP”
Some notable tweaks/changes in Atlanta’s lineup include Ronald Acuña Jr. batting leadoff again, Drake Baldwin being the DH, and Joey Bart forming a battery with Bryce Elder.
One quick piece of note: Atlanta may want to think about acquiring a catcher over the next few days if Baldwin is going to see more time at DH.
Back to Austin Riley, who has notably struggled this season, perhaps the off-day reset his mind.
More MLB on Heavy: Former Atlanta Braves 8-Year Pitcher Traded to Twins in Major MLB Move
More on Austin Riley’s 2026 Season
GettyBALTIMORE, MARYLAND – JULY 24: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves drives in a run with a single in the fourth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Oriole Park at Camden Yards on July 24, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland. (Photo by Greg Fiume/Getty Images)
Austin Riley is the highest-paid player in Atlanta Braves franchise history, but he has not played like it this season.
The 2x MLB All-Star 2X Silver Slugger winner Riley is batting .212 this season over 390+ at-bats. His OPS+ sits at a very low 75.
Over his eight-year MLB career, Riley’s career OPS+ is 116, and his lifetime batting average is .264. There’s still time to somewhat turn things around for Riley, but the more concerning thing is how his slump at the plate may affect the team come October.
More MLB on Heavy: 5 MLB Trade Predictions for Braves, Yankees, Red Sox, Cubs, and Brewers Ahead of Mondayâs Deadline
Like HEAVY’s content? Be sure to follow us.
This article was originally published on HEAVY
The post Atlanta Braves Announce Austin Riley Decision Before Nationals Game appeared first on HEAVY.