Austin Riley has gone back to back by homering with a teammate more than a few times in his young career. But now, Riley can call himself the back-to-back winner of the Atlanta Braves Heart and Hustle Award.
Riley wins Heart and Hustle Award for second straight season
Riley repeats as the Braves selected winner of this award, and for good reason. You constantly see the hustle Riley plays with on the field every single game. And then you hear about his work in the community to boot.
Riley partnered with team Red, White, and Blue to host his second annual charity golf tournament at Hawk's Ridge this past May. It's work like this on and off the field that has allowed Riley to win the hearts of Braves fans everywhere.
Your 2024 Atlanta Braves #HeartandHustle Award winner, @austinriley1308!#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/NG8yvBFKEf
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 1, 2024
Spencer Schwellenbach drew a lot of interest at the trade deadline
Recently, Alex Anthopoulos gave a rundown of how things unfolded for the Braves at the trade deadline. Many fans were wondering why AA made just one trade at the deadline. However, Anthopoulos gave an answer that might allow Braves fans to understand why the deadline went the way it did.
According to AA, Braves rookie Spencer Schwellenbach was the most asked-about guy from Atlanta during the trade deadline. And when you look at the players moved, you can understand why AA wouldn't budge on including a young up-and-comer like Schwellenbach.
Spencer has established himself in the Braves rotation when they needed someone to step up. His peripherals and recent numbers signal him to be a future star for Atlanta. It would've been a massive mistake to part ways with that. Smart on Alex for not trading for the sake of making a move.
Arcia heating up
The Braves needed more from shortstop Orlando Arica in the second half, and he has delivered. Arcia homered in last night's ball game to extend his hitting streak to a career-high 12 games.
Arseeya later 🫡#BravesCountry pic.twitter.com/oJjs79n0Jv
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 2, 2024
Over his past 11 games, Arcia owns a .353/.421/.559 slash line, 175 wRC+, and identical BB% and K% (10.3%). His improved play has really boosted the Atlanta offense, and it's a key reason why they've won three in a row. The Braves' hot streak partnered with the Phillies' tough skid has Atlanta just six games back of the top spot in the NL East.