929 Atlanta Braves reporter Joe Patrick joined Dukes & Bell to talk about our Braves, as Austin Riley hits the IL, Dallas Keuchel is struggling and what will the Braves do with Josh Donaldson after this season?
Patrick said it’s not looking good for Austin Riley.
“It’s not looking great.” Patrick said “There’s no definite timetable for him, but it’s never good when it’s so bad they can’t diagnose it because of the swelling, with these LCL injuries you never know how they’re going to heal. He’s a guy who needs to be playing games right now, even if it’s not at the major league level, it’s really unfortunate timing for him and the Braves.”
When asked what the Braves will do with Josh Donaldson in the offseason.
“The whole Donaldson thing is fascinating.” Patrick said “ It was either going to end where Donaldson didn’t live up to the contract, or the option where he’s over performed which has happened and there are going to be a lot of suitors for him this offseason. You hope that he’s got enough relationships where he will want to stay here, but teams are going to come at him because he looks like the player that won the AL MVP with Toronto.”
Joe talked about what the team needs from Dallas Keuchel.
“When he came in he was pitching well.” Patrick said “What’s really hurting this team is they brought him in with the hope that he would eat up a lot of innings which is something this team really needs, but I think that’s why you see Snitker want him to get thru some of these issues and it kind of backfired last night for them.”
