This topic is why the Atlanta Braves will be giving long looks at Austin Riley this season. Already, just 5 games into the Spring, you could argue that there’s need for more thump in the lineup as the Braves have scored 3, 3, 2, 1, and 2 runs in Grapefruit League competition.
The Marlins put that many runs across just yesterday.
There’s some hope that Riley can provide that thump – and it would be really nice to have that ‘big bat’ presence again. But if winning is the emphasis (and it should always be), then just how many (thumpless) rookies can this club tolerate on their roster at any given time?