Atlanta Braves Face Challenging Weeks following Riley's Injury
The Atlanta Braves have been dealt a significant blow with the news that their third baseman has suffered a fracture in his right hand. An MRI revealed the extent of the injury, sidelining him for an estimated six to eight weeks. This unfortunate event occurred after Riley was hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz.
This setback comes at a critical juncture for the Braves, who are striving to maintain their playoff hopes amidst a series of injuries to key players. At the moment, the Braves hold a narrow two-game lead over the New York Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals are not far behind, trailing by four and five games, respectively. Meanwhile, the Braves aim to close a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East—a division they've dominated by clinching the title for the past six seasons.
Riley's contributions to the team have been significant this season. Over the course of 110 games, he has posted a batting average of .256/.322/.461, adding 19 home runs and 26 doubles to his name. Notably, since May 2024, Riley has elevated his performance with a more impressive slash line of .275/.339/.531, a marked improvement from his pre-June numbers of .228/.295/.353.
The possible timelines for Riley's return offer a glimpse of hope for the Braves. If his recovery progresses on the faster side of the estimate, he could make a comeback during the final week of the regular season. This means he might be back on the field in time for the Braves' critical three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, if the recuperation stretches to the full eight weeks, Riley would be out for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the initial rounds of the postseason as well.
The Braves' injury woes this season have not been limited to Riley. The team has been without their ace Spencer Strider, whose season ended prematurely after just two starts due to a UCL tear. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has been absent for nearly a month, grappling with a wrist fracture. Adding to these challenges, Ronald Acuña Jr. has been out since early June with a season-ending ACL tear, and though Max Fried has returned from forearm neuritis, he has struggled to regain his form.
In Riley's absence, Luke Williams is expected to assume the role of the primary third baseman. While this will undoubtedly be a test for the team, the Braves' roster has shown resilience in the face of adversity throughout the season. The upcoming weeks will reveal whether they can maintain their composure and secure a playoff berth despite the mounting challenges.
As Braves fans hold their breath, the team must navigate this crucial period with strategic plays and a united front. The resilience they exhibit now could define the rest of their season and their quest for yet another NL East title.