Austin Riley will bat seventh and play third base for the Atlanta Braves in their playoff series opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 29. The Braves are deploying Chris Sale as their starter, while the Phillies counter with Jesus Luzardo.
Riley's regular season was difficult. Over 159 games, he batted .219 with 19 home runs and a career-low OPS+ of 80, though he added 21 doubles, 72 RBIs, 64 runs scored, and 124 hits. Despite the struggles, October baseball offers an opportunity to reset after months of poor performance.
Riley was recently nominated for the 2026 Roberto Clemente Award in recognition of his work off the field. The Braves finished the regular season 94-68 and won the National League East division title. After missing the 2025 playoffs, the team enters this postseason as a true World Series contender.
The Braves will face Bryce Harper and the Phillies at Truist Park, with first pitch at 2:15 p.m. EST.