Is it Time to Panic About Austin Riley?

Atlanta Braves fans are sounding the alarm as Austin Riley’s struggles at the plate intensify, raising the question—should Atlanta panic about their highest-paid star in franchise history? Jake Mastroianni breaks down Riley’s cold start, digging into key stats like his subpar .162 batting average, concerning launch angles, and ongoing issues with sliders and sweepers. Is this just an early slump, or do deeper mechanical problems signal a lasting decline? The discussion also highlights sluggish production from Ronald Acuña Jr. and Michael Harris II, the Braves’ mounting offensive inconsistency, and Chris Sale’s rare rough outing against the Angels. With three straight losses and the offense sputtering, the Braves face a critical early-season test. Can Ronaldo López stop the skid against Yusei Kikuchi, or will Atlanta’s high-powered lineup finally break out? Get essential insights on lineup changes, pitching matchups, and what to watch for as the Braves chase a turnaround.     Everydayer Club If you never miss an episode, it’s time to make it official. Join the Locked On Everydayer Club and get ad-free audio, access to our members-only Discord, and more — all built for our most loyal fans. Click here to learn more and join your team’s community: https://lockedonpodcasts.com/everydayerclub     Support Us By Supporting Our Sponsors! Turbo Tax Intuit TurboTax now has in-person locations nationwide. You can meet face-to-face with a real tax expert, and your documents get uploaded straight to your TurboTax app on the spot.   Visit https://TurboTax.com/local to find a store near you and book your appointment today.   Indeed Listeners of this show get a $75 Sponsored Job Credit to help give your job the premium placement it deserves at http://Indeed.com/podcast   Gametime Today's episode is brought to you by Gametime. Download the Gametime app, create an account, and use code LOCKEDON for $20 off your first purchase. Terms and conditions apply.   FanDuel Today's episode is brought to you by FanDuel. Right now new customers can bet just five dollars and get two-hundred and fifty dollars in bonus bets if your first bet wins. Visit https://FANDUEL.COM to get started — Play Your Game.   FANDUEL DISCLAIMER: 21+ in select states. First online real money wager only. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable free bets that expires in 14 days. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER or visit FanDuel.com/RG (CO, IA, MD, MI, NJ, PA, IL, VA, WV), 1-800-NEXT-STEP or text NEXTSTEP to 53342 (AZ), 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT), 1-800-9-WITH-IT (IN), 1-800-522-4700 (WY, KS) or visit ksgamblinghelp.com (KS), 1-877-770-STOP (LA), 1-877-8-HOPENY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY), TN REDLINE 1-800-889-9789 (TN) Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.