Austin Riley, the Atlanta Braves’ third baseman, is out for 6-8 weeks due to a broken right hand, a significant setback for a team already grappling with injuries. The announcement came on Monday, following an incident during Sunday’s game where Riley was hit by a 97 mph fastball from Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz in the first inning of Atlanta’s 3-1 win.
An MRI confirmed the fracture, ruling him out for the remainder of the regular season and potentially the playoffs if the Braves secure a spot. Currently, Atlanta holds a two-game lead over the New York Mets for the final wild-card position as they prepare for a crucial three-game series against the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies.
The Braves, who have clinched six consecutive division titles, face an uphill battle. A series of injuries has left them seven games behind the Phillies, making a wild-card berth their most viable route to a seventh straight postseason appearance. The team’s depth is being tested, especially after losing NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and pitching ace Spencer Strider to season-ending injuries. Key players like second baseman Ozzie Albies and center fielder Michael Harris II have also missed significant time.
Riley, who has recorded 19 home runs and 56 RBIs in 110 games this season, has now faced two major injuries. Earlier in May, he was sidelined for two weeks due to a strained muscle near his rib cage. Last season, he hit 37 home runs, bringing his total to 153 since debuting with the Braves in 2019.
Luke Williams, who has struggled this season with just 2 hits in 17 at-bats, stepped in at third base following Riley’s injury. However, he may not be a long-term solution. The Braves might consider shifting Whit Merrifield, currently filling in for Albies at second base, to third and giving another opportunity to top prospect Nacho Alvarez, who has faced challenges, hitting only 3 for 30 in his previous stint before being sent back to Triple-A Gwinnett.
On a brighter note, the Braves announced the recall of Reynaldo López from his rehab assignment to start the series opener against the Phillies. The right-hander boasts a record of 7-4 with a 2.06 ERA and made his first All-Star appearance this season. He last pitched on July 28 against the Mets before being placed on the injured list due to forearm inflammation.
To make room for López, the Braves optioned reliever Jimmy Herget to Triple-A. With the playoffs looming and injuries mounting, the Braves’ ability to adapt will be put to the test in the coming weeks.
