The Atlanta Braves are facing yet another significant setback as their third baseman is set to miss substantial playing time due to an injury. An MRI has revealed a fracture in his right hand, an unfortunate consequence of being hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz. This fracture is expected to sideline him for the next six to eight weeks, delivering a blow to the Braves' aspirations for the remainder of the season.
Riley has been a critical offensive catalyst for the Braves, showcasing a performance this year that includes a batting line of .256/.322/.461, coupled with 19 home runs and 26 doubles over 110 games. Notably, he had shown marked improvement since May 2024, boasting an enhanced slash line of .275/.339/.531. His stats heading into June were noticeably lower at .228/.295/.353, indicating a strong mid-season recovery.
Impact on Riley and the Braves
Should Riley heal on the quicker end of the projected timeline, he could potentially rejoin the Braves during the final week of the regular season. This timeline aligns with their pivotal three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, if his recovery aligns with the full eight-week prognosis, he would be absent for the remainder of the regular season and might miss the initial rounds of the postseason.
The Braves are already battling a slew of high-profile injuries. Ace Spencer Strider managed only two starts before a UCL tear ended his season. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has been sidelined for nearly a month due to a wrist fracture. In addition, Ronald Acuña Jr. has been out since early June following a season-ending ACL tear. Max Fried, who recently returned from forearm neuritis, is still struggling to reacclimate and find his rhythm on the mound.
NL Wild-Card Chase
The Braves are working to maintain their narrow two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants trail them by four games, and the St. Louis Cardinals are five games behind. Moreover, the Braves are striving to close a significant seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. This effort comes with the added weight of trying to continue their dominance, as they have clinched the NL East title for the past six seasons.
In Riley's Absence
In the absence of Riley, Luke Williams is expected to step up as the primary third baseman, a responsibility that comes with considerable pressure given the stakes. The Braves are in a critical phase where every game counts, and the loss of a key player heightens the challenge even further.
The next few weeks will be crucial for the Braves as they navigate this latest injury setback. With key players out, their depth and resilience will be put to the test. The Braves' management and fans alike will be hoping for a swift and complete recovery for Riley, whose return could prove pivotal in their quest for postseason success.