Atlanta Braves Face Setback as Third Baseman Injures Hand
The Atlanta Braves have encountered a significant obstacle in their quest for postseason contention. Star third baseman Austin Riley has been diagnosed with a fracture in his right hand after an MRI revealed the extent of the damage. Riley sustained the injury when he was hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz. This unfortunate incident is expected to keep Riley off the field for the next six to eight weeks, dealing a substantial blow to the Braves' lineup.
Riley's absence is particularly ill-timed, given his performance this season. Over 110 games, Riley has posted a batting line of .256/.322/.461, with 19 home runs and 26 doubles. Since May 2024, he's been even more impressive, improving his stats to .275/.339/.531. Heading into June, his slash line stood at .228/.295/.353, highlighting his significant mid-season improvement.
If Riley manages to recover on the quicker end of the estimated timeline, he might make a return during the final week of the regular season. This potential comeback could coincide with the Braves' crucial three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, if his recovery takes the full eight weeks, Riley would miss the remainder of the regular season and could potentially be sidelined for the initial rounds of the postseason.
Riley's injury adds to an already extensive list of challenges the Braves have faced this season. The team has been without their ace, Spencer Strider, who made just two starts before a UCL tear ended his season prematurely. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been absent for nearly a month due to a wrist fracture, and Ronald Acuña Jr. has been out since early June following a season-ending ACL tear. Additionally, although Max Fried has returned from forearm neuritis, he has struggled to regain his form.
The Braves currently hold a tenuous two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants trail Atlanta by four games, while the St. Louis Cardinals are five games behind in the wild-card race. The Braves are also striving to narrow a seven-game gap between themselves and the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. Notably, the Braves have clinched the NL East title for the past six seasons, a streak they are determined to extend despite the significant injuries plaguing their roster.
In Riley's absence, Luke Williams is expected to step in as the primary third baseman. Williams will have substantial shoes to fill, given Riley's impactful presence both at the plate and on the field. The Braves will be relying on their depth and resilience as they navigate this challenging period and aim to maintain their playoff position.
As the Braves adapt to these roster changes, the team and its fans will be eagerly monitoring Riley's recovery process. His timely return could bolster the Braves' chances as they head into the final stretch of the season, looking to secure their place in the playoffs and vie for their seventh consecutive NL East title.