Atlanta Braves: Austin Riley and Spencer Strider receive honors for the month of July
![ATLANTA, GA - JULY 31: Austin Riley #27 of the Atlanta Braves reacts after being doused following his walk off double during the ninth inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Truist Park on July 31, 2022 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_752,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Ftomahawktake-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2018-2F08-2F1242235988-850x560-92ae7c69fa47c4198aebf5d6e7afcfd9.jpg)
Austin Riley receives another honor a day after the Atlanta Braves locked him up long term
Just yesterday, the Atlanta Braves agreed to a ten-year $212 million dollar deal to keep Austin Riley in Atlanta through 2032. Today, the Braves announced that Austin Riley has been named as the National League’s player of the month for July.
And that’s the bottom line, ‘cause @austinriley1308 said so! pic.twitter.com/dPpkf3eZIO
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 2, 2022
It’s impossible to deny what Riley was able to do in July. Over the month, Austin Riley led all hitters in wOBA, wRC+, batting average, slugging percentage, and WAR. He also tied Hank Aaron‘s all-time record for extra-base hits in a month.
Riley had a batting average of .423 in July. He also hit eleven homers, drove in twenty-five RBIs, and scored twenty-one runs.
Those numbers are impressive in any month, but they’re even more impressive when you account for the All-Star Break.
Spencer Strider gets rewarded for his excellence in July
The Braves didn’t just have one young star excel in July. Spencer Strider also had an excellent month and was named NL Rookie of the Month for July.
He’ll be your Huckleberry…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 2, 2022
…and your NL Rookie of the Month! pic.twitter.com/DopKlAUkt9
Over the course of July, Strider started five games, posted an ERA of 2.70, and had a 0.90 WHIP. He also struck out forty-one batters in only twenty-six innings pitched. These numbers and this award should come as no surprise to Braves fans.
Strider started out the season in the bullpen for the Braves and didn’t start until nearly the end of May. He has excelled in the role, proving to be a reliable part of the Braves’ rotation. Spencer Strider is currently a viable NL ROY candidate alongside fellow Brave Michael Harris II.
The youth is worth noting for both Strider and Austin Riley. Spencer Strider is only twenty-three years old and Austin Riley is just twenty-five.
This just further adds to the young group of stars Atlanta has. When you think about young players like Riley, Acuna, Strider, Swanson, and Albies the future just looks that much brighter for the Braves.
Next. How Juan Soto trade effects the Braves. dark
Look for both of these young stars to continue to excel as the Atlanta Braves make a push for the division again this season.