The Atlanta Braves’ third baseman, Austin Riley, is set to miss significant time after an MRI revealed a fracture in his right hand. The injury occurred after Riley was hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz. This unfortunate event is expected to sideline Riley for the next six to eight weeks, a substantial blow to the Braves as they vie for a playoff spot in a tight National League race.
Riley's Recovery Timeline
If Riley recovers on the quicker end of the estimate, he could potentially return during the final week of the regular season. This would be timely for the Braves as they face critical matchups, including a three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, should his recovery extend to the full eight weeks, Riley would miss the remainder of the regular season and might also be unavailable for the initial rounds of the postseason.
Impact on Riley's Performance
This injury halts what has been an impressive season for Riley. Over the course of 110 games, he has posted a batting line of .256/.322/.461 with 19 home runs and 26 doubles. Notably, since May 2024, Riley has shown significant improvement, boosting his numbers to .275/.339/.531. Heading into June, his slash line was a more pedestrian .228/.295/.353. Riley's performance has been a critical component for the Braves, and his absence will likely be felt across the lineup.
Team Challenges
Riley's injury adds to a growing list of setbacks for the Braves. The team has been without their ace Spencer Strider since early in the season due to a UCL tear. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been sidelined for nearly a month with a wrist fracture, and star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has been out since June with a season-ending ACL tear. Despite these significant injuries, the Braves continue to push for a playoff berth.
Braves' Battling for Playoff Spot
The Braves currently hold a slender two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final National League wild-card spot, with the San Francisco Giants trailing by four games and the St. Louis Cardinals by five. The team is also striving to close a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, a division they have dominated by clinching the title for the past six seasons. This level of competition underscores the importance of Riley's potential comeback and the urgency for the team to stay competitive.
Next Steps for the Braves
With Riley sidelined, Luke Williams is expected to assume the role of the primary third baseman. Williams will have big shoes to fill as he steps into a crucial position during a pivotal stretch of the season. Additionally, the return of Max Fried from forearm neuritis adds a layer of hope for the pitching staff, although Fried has struggled to find his rhythm since coming back.
Despite the challenges, the Braves' resilience remains evident as they continue to navigate a season fraught with adversity. The depth of their roster and the leadership of seasoned players will be instrumental as they aim to secure a playoff spot and make a deep postseason run.