With Austin Riley sidelined due to a broken hand, the Atlanta Braves face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement at third base. The options available to the Braves include:
1. **Luke Williams**: Williams stepped in at third base immediately after Riley’s injury, but his performance this season has been limited, with just 2 hits in 17 at-bats. While he’s a versatile player capable of covering multiple positions, his offensive struggles make him a less than ideal full-time replacement.
2. **Whit Merrifield**: Currently filling in at second base for the injured Ozzie Albies, Merrifield could potentially shift to third base. He’s a seasoned veteran with experience at multiple infield positions, but moving him would leave another gap at second base that the Braves would need to address.
3. **Nacho Alvarez**: A top prospect in the Braves’ system, Alvarez was previously given a chance to fill in for Albies but struggled, going just 3-for-30 at the plate before being sent back to Triple-A. Alvarez is dealing with pneumonia, so his immediate availability is in question. However, if he recovers and the Braves decide to give him another shot, he could return as a potential option at third base.
4. **Other Minor League Options**: The Braves could also consider other third base options from Triple-A, such as **Brian Anderson** or **Alejo López**. These players have more experience and could provide a more stable option at the hot corner, though they may not have the same upside as a younger prospect like Alvarez.
Given these options, the Braves are likely to use a combination of players to fill the void left by Riley, depending on matchups and who shows the best form. However, replacing Riley’s production in the lineup will be a significant challenge as the team tries to secure a playoff spot.