He was the National League Rookie of the Month for May in his first month in the majors. In June, he became the fastest player to hit his 10th career homer in Braves history, in his 26th game. And in July, he tied a franchise rookie record for homers before the All-Star break with 16, despite not debuting until May 15.



But the accolades and most of the praise stopped as abruptly as a slump began for Braves rookie Austin Riley, whose name on social media lately is limited to tweets or posts from fans suggesting, or angrily demanding, that he be sent back to Triple A.



Yes, a lot of people quickly have turned on the amiable young third baseman-turned-outfielder, whose cleats many of those same fans seemed ready to dip in bronze after his stunningly successful first few weeks in the majors.



After hitting .280 with 22 extra-base hits, including 14 home runs, 37 RBIs and a .930 OPS in his first 42 games through June 29, Riley has hit just .159 (10-for-63) in his...