Atlanta Braves Third Baseman Suffers Fractured Hand
The Atlanta Braves have been dealt another significant blow as their third baseman received unfortunate news following an MRI that revealed a fracture in his right hand. The injury, a result of being hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz, is expected to sideline him for the next six to eight weeks.
This setback comes at a time when the Braves find themselves in a tight race for the playoffs. Over 110 games this season, Riley has posted a batting line of .256/.322/.461, including 19 home runs and 26 doubles. Notably, his performance has seen substantial improvement since May 2024, with an enhanced slash line of .275/.339/.531. In stark contrast, his numbers heading into June were a concerning .228/.295/.353.
If Riley manages to recover towards the quicker end of the anticipated timeline, there is hope that he could rejoin the team during the final week of the regular season. A prospective return may see him back in action around the Braves' three-game home series against the New York Mets, starting on September 24. However, should his recovery stretch to the full eight weeks, Riley is likely to miss not just the remainder of the regular season but could also be unavailable for the initial rounds of the postseason.
Team's Injury Woes Continue
The Braves have been grappling with an array of injury concerns throughout the season. Adding to their woes was the early loss of ace pitcher Spencer Strider, whose season was abruptly ended after just two starts due to a UCL tear. Additionally, All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has not seen the field for nearly a month due to a wrist fracture, while Ronald Acuña Jr.'s campaign was cut short with a season-ending ACL tear in early June.
In a bid to stabilize their rotation, Max Fried made a return from forearm neuritis. Despite his efforts, Fried has struggled to find his rhythm, further compounding the Braves' challenges on the mound.
Playoff Aspirations Hang in the Balance
Currently holding a slim two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot, the Braves are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive. The San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals remain in close pursuit, trailing the Braves by four and five games, respectively, in the wild-card standings. Meanwhile, the Braves are also striving to close a seven-game gap behind the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East.
Impressively, the Braves have clinched the NL East title for the past six seasons, a testament to their consistent performance and resilience. However, the mounting injuries have undoubtedly placed additional pressure on the team as they navigate the final stretch of the season.
In light of Riley’s absence, Luke Williams is expected to step in as the primary third baseman. Williams, who has shown versatility and capability in the infield, will have big shoes to fill as he takes on a more prominent role during these critical games.
As the Braves endeavor to overcome these adversities, all eyes will be on their ability to adapt and persevere through a tumultuous season. With a roster hit hard by injuries, the next few weeks will be a true test of their depth and determination as they aim to secure their place in the postseason.