Austin Riley’s glove has become a concern—and now, so has the dirt beneath it. After committing his seventh error of the season and fifth in the last 15 games, the Atlanta Braves third baseman is drawing attention for all the wrong reasons. But in a surprising twist, manager Brian Snitker isn’t pointing at Riley—he’s pointing at the Truist Park grounds crew.
Braves Have Defensive Struggles at the Hot Corner
Sunday’s 5–3 loss to the Padres once again spotlighted Riley’s struggles. He misplayed a routine grounder in the 4th inning off the bat of Luis Arraez, opening the door for Gavin Sheets’ two-run homer a few batters later. It wasn’t just costly—it was eerily familiar.
Riley now ranks fifth in the majors in errors (7), and four of his last five have come at home. It’s been a sharp and visible regression for a player who has, in recent seasons, improved defensively and become a cornerstone of the Braves’ infield.
Snitker Defends His Third Baseman
But rather than chastise his star, Brian Snitker came out swinging—for Riley’s defense, not his defense. The veteran skipper took the unusual route of blaming field conditions at Truist Park:
“I don’t think it’s all on him if you want to know the truth,” Snitker said, per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
While he didn’t outright blast the grounds crew, the implication was clear: inconsistent field conditions may be contributing to Riley’s sudden spell of shaky play. It’s a bold suggestion, especially considering the rarity of MLB managers publicly criticizing field maintenance.
Bigger Troubles in Atlanta
The Braves’ defensive issues come at a time when little has gone to plan in 2025. The team fell to 25–27 with Sunday’s loss and has struggled to gain traction even with Ronald Acuña Jr. returning to provide a spark. Injuries have bruised the pitching staff, and now one of their most dependable hitters is faltering with the glove.
The Braves have always relied on Riley’s bat to offset any defensive limitations, but when errors start to directly contribute to losses, it creates a different kind of pressure—both on the player and the team.
What Do the Braves Need to Do?
For Riley, it’s a question of mental reset and defensive recalibration. For Snitker, it’s clearly about shielding a player who’s pressing. And for the Braves organization, they’ll need to decide whether this is just a bad stretch or a bigger concern that demands action.
There are stopgap options, with Nick Allen anchoring shortstop and Eli White already flexing between outfield and infield. Atlanta’s best chance at regaining form lies in Riley rediscovering his confidence—and perhaps, a smoother infield surface under his cleats.
Right now, it’s not just a matter of errors. It’s a matter of erosion—of momentum, confidence, and, potentially, the Braves’ early-season stability.
