Atlanta Braves Dealt Major Blow with Riley Injury
The Atlanta Braves’ hopes for a strong finish to the season have taken a significant hit with the announcement that third baseman Austin Riley has sustained a fracture in his right hand. An MRI confirmed the fracture, which is expected to sideline Riley for the next six to eight weeks. The injury occurred after Riley was hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz, adding to a string of misfortunes for the Braves this season.
Riley, an essential cog in the Braves’ lineup, has put up a solid performance this year, batting .256/.322/.461 with 19 home runs and 26 doubles across 110 games. His numbers have shown a marked improvement since May 2024, with a slash line of .275/.339/.531, after a slow start that saw him entering June with a .228/.295/.353 slash line.
If Riley's recovery proceeds on the quicker end of the six to eight-week projection, he could make a return during the final week of the regular season. This potential comeback would coincide with the Braves' pivotal three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, if his recovery extends to the full eight weeks, Riley would miss the remainder of the regular season and may be unavailable for the initial rounds of the postseason.
The Braves have not only lost Riley but have also faced several other devastating injuries this season. The team has been without their ace, Spencer Strider, whose season ended prematurely due to a UCL tear after just two starts. Additionally, All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has been out of action for nearly a month because of a wrist fracture, while star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has been sidelined since early June with a season-ending ACL tear. Max Fried, who returned from forearm neuritis, has struggled to regain his form, further complicating the Braves' quest for postseason success.
Currently, the Braves hold a two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. However, the San Francisco Giants trail by only four games, and the St. Louis Cardinals are five games back, creating a tightly contested race. Meanwhile, the Braves are also striving to close a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The team has clinched the NL East title for the past six seasons and aims to extend that streak despite the challenges.
With Riley out, Luke Williams is expected to take over as the primary third baseman. The Braves will rely on Williams and the rest of the roster to step up during Riley's absence and navigate through the crucial remaining weeks of the season.
The injuries to key players like Riley, Strider, Albies, and Acuña have undoubtedly tested the resilience and depth of the Braves. The team’s ability to adapt and overcome these setbacks will be critical as they push for a wild card berth and aim to maintain their dominance in the NL East. Braves fans will be keeping a close watch on Riley's recovery, hoping for a return in time to make a meaningful impact in the postseason. Until then, the Braves must marshal all available resources and dig deep to keep their season aspirations alive.