Atlanta Braves
Atlanta Braves

Braves’ Austin Riley named NL Rookie of the Month

Braves rookie Austin Riley hits a three-run homer during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants May 22, 2019, at Oracle Park in San Francisco.

Credit: Daniel Shirey

Credit: Daniel Shirey

Braves rookie Austin Riley hits a three-run homer during the seventh inning against the San Francisco Giants May 22, 2019, at Oracle Park in San Francisco.
By
June 3, 2019

It took Austin Riley just 17 days in the major leagues to win his first award.

The Braves player was named the National League Rookie of the Month for May, the league announced Monday. Riley, who has played mostly in the outfield despite being a third base prospect, was called up on May 15 and became an instant sensation. In 15 May games, he hit .356 with a .746 slugging percentage with seven home runs and 20 RBIs.

In all, Riley has appeared in 17 games with 22 hits in 67 at-bats for a .328 average with two doubles, eight home runs and 22 RBIs.

Since his major league debut, Riley leads all National League players in home runs, RBIs and slugging percentage.

Braves pitcher Mike Soroka was among three other NL rookies who received votes for the award.

About the Author

Gabriel Burns is a general assignment reporter and features writer for the Atlanta Journal-Constitution. After four years on the Braves beat, he's expanded his horizons and covers all sports. You'll find him writing about MLB, NFL, NBA, college football and other Atlanta-centric happenings.

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