ATLANTA, GEORGIA - JULY 4: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves is seen during the first inning against the New York Mets at Truist Park on July 4, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Casey Sykes/Getty Images) Getty ImagesThe Atlanta Braves have managed to stay at the top of the leaderboards throughout the 2026 season despite an uneven campaign. So I think there’s some recent examples for Austin.” MORE FOR YOU The comments come as Riley attempts to reverse what has been arguably the worst season of his major league career. Riley is batting just .221, the worst average in his eight years with the Braves.