Atlanta Braves Third Baseman: Who Plays the Hot Corner in Atlanta and Why It Matters

If you follow the Atlanta Braves, one of the biggest questions each season is: “Who is the Braves’ third baseman?”

In Atlanta, third base is more than just a position. It’s a spot with a strong history, a big impact on the lineup, and a clear view for fans sitting down the left-field line at Truist Park in Cobb County.

Below is a practical, Atlanta-focused guide to:

• Who is currently playing third base for the Braves
• How the role has changed in recent seasons
• What to know if you’re going to a game in Atlanta and want to watch the third baseman up close
• How third base fits into the Braves’ overall identity and fan experience

The Current Atlanta Braves Third Baseman

As of the most recent seasons leading into 2024–2025, the primary Atlanta Braves third baseman has been Austin Riley.

Austin Riley at Third Base

Austin Riley has become a familiar presence at third for Atlanta:

• Position: Starting third baseman
• Bats/Throws: Right/Right
• Reputation:
  • Middle-of-the-order power hitter
  • Run producer in the Braves’ lineup
  • Solid, improving defender at third

For Braves fans in Atlanta, Riley is often one of the main reasons to get to Truist Park early for batting practice: his power is a big draw, and he’s a key part of the club’s offensive identity.

While lineup cards can move players around for day-to-day reasons, Riley has generally been the everyday third baseman when healthy.

Third Base and the Braves Lineup in Atlanta

In Atlanta, third base is tied closely to how the team’s offense works. When you’re watching a game at Truist Park or following along from anywhere in the metro area, here’s how the third baseman usually fits into the bigger picture.

Typical Role in the Batting Order

The Braves’ third baseman, especially Austin Riley, has commonly been:

• A middle-of-the-order bat (often 3rd, 4th, or 5th)
• A run producer, driving in runners like Ronald Acuña Jr. and others
• A hitter expected to provide power and extra-base hits rather than just singles

For fans, that means when the Braves are at home in Atlanta, third base is closely associated with some of the loudest contact of the night.

Defensive Responsibilities at Truist Park

The third baseman at Truist Park has to manage:

• Hard-hit balls down the line toward the left-field corner
• Slow rollers and bunts up the third-base line
• Long throws across the diamond in front of the Braves dugout on the first-base side

Because of how quickly the ball gets to third, players who succeed there need strong reflexes and a good arm. For fans sitting near the Braves bullpen in left field or low in Sections 16–20 (third-base side), you get a great angle on the third baseman handling these plays.

Recent History: Third Basemen Braves Fans in Atlanta Know Well

If you’ve watched the Braves over the past couple of decades in Atlanta, you’ve seen several key third basemen:

For long-time Atlanta residents, Chipper Jones set the standard for third basemen. Fans who grew up watching him often compare every new third baseman to Chipper’s consistency and leadership.

Younger fans in Atlanta, especially around Cumberland and the Battery Atlanta, are now growing up with Austin Riley as their everyday third baseman.

Seeing the Braves Third Baseman Live at Truist Park

If you’re in Atlanta or visiting and want to focus on the third baseman during a game, here’s how to plan your visit.

Best Places to Sit to Watch Third Base

At Truist Park (755 Battery Ave SE, Atlanta, GA 30339), the best vantage points for the third baseman are:

• Lower-level third-base side:

  • Sections generally numbered in the 10s and 20s on the third-base line
  • Closer rows give you a clear view of fielding plays and throws across the diamond

• Club-level or terrace third-base side:

  • A bit higher up but provide a full-field view, great for watching positioning and shifts

• Left-field corner and foul territory seats:

  • Good for seeing how the third baseman handles balls down the line and relay throws

If you’re buying tickets through the Braves or a verified resale outlet in Atlanta, look for third-base side or left-field infield language in the seating map.

When to Arrive to Watch Warm-Ups

To focus on the third baseman:

• Arrive 60–90 minutes before first pitch to catch infield warm-ups.
• Watch when the infielders take ground balls — the third baseman will work on:
  • Backhand plays down the line
  • Slow rollers
  • Throws to first and second

This is easier to see from lower third-base sections or the outfield corner on the left-field side.

How the Third Baseman Fits into Braves Strategy in Atlanta

Modern Braves baseball in Atlanta is built around power, run production, and strong infield defense. The third baseman plays a major part in this identity.

Offensive Role in a Power-Heavy Lineup

The third baseman generally supports:

• High-scoring lineups that can put up runs quickly
• A focus on home runs and extra-base hits
• Protection in the lineup for other stars, making it harder for pitchers to pitch around any one hitter

When you watch a game at Truist Park, pay attention to how often the third baseman is up in key spots with runners on base — especially in the middle innings.

Defensive Role with the Infield Shift Rules

With current defensive rules limiting extreme shifts, the third baseman for Atlanta:

• Plays more traditional third-base positioning
• Must cover a lot of ground toward the line and into the hole
• Works closely with the shortstop on cutoffs and coverage

From Atlanta’s perspective, having a reliable third baseman helps the pitching staff limit extra-base hits down the left-field line, which can quickly change the feel of a game.

Following the Braves Third Baseman from Atlanta

If you live in the Atlanta area and want to keep up with who’s starting at third on a given day, or learn more about the players, here are practical steps.

Where to Check Lineups and Depth Charts

On game days, Atlanta fans commonly use:

• Official Braves game notes or lineup cards (posted digitally and at the ballpark)
• Local sports broadcasts and radio pre-game coverage
• Scoreboards and in-park displays at Truist Park, usually updated well before first pitch

The public information desks and guest services booths at Truist Park can also help you interpret the lineup if you’re at the game in person.

Local Media and Talk Shows

In the Atlanta media market, coverage from local television, radio, and newspapers often discusses:

• Changes at third base due to injuries or rest days
• How the third baseman is performing at the plate and in the field
• Any potential prospects who might eventually play third in Atlanta

If lineup or positional changes ever become a big story, they’re usually discussed heavily on Atlanta-based sports talk radio and in local sports sections.

Tips for New or Visiting Fans in Atlanta

If you’re new to Braves baseball or visiting Atlanta and want to feel more plugged in to the role of third base:

• Walk around the Battery Atlanta before the game
  • You’ll often see fans wearing jerseys of current stars like Austin Riley.
• Watch a full half-inning focusing only on the third baseman
  • Notice how he positions himself before each pitch.
  • Track his reactions on balls hit to the left side.
• Pay attention to the scoreboard graphics
  • These highlight offensive stats and help you connect a face and number to the position.

For many people in Atlanta, learning about the everyday third baseman is part of feeling connected to the current era of Braves baseball, just as earlier generations followed Chipper Jones at the old Turner Field.

In Atlanta, asking about the “Atlanta Braves third baseman” usually leads to one central figure: Austin Riley, the current everyday player at the hot corner. Whether you’re buying tickets at Truist Park, watching from home in the metro area, or just trying to understand the team’s identity, the third baseman is one of the key players to know and follow each season.