Atlanta Braves Deal with Another Setback: Riley's Hand Fracture
The Atlanta Braves face another blow as third baseman Austin Riley underwent an MRI that confirmed a fracture in his right hand, sidelining him for six to eight weeks. This unfortunate injury occurred when Riley was hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz.
Riley has maintained a batting average this season of .256/.322/.461, belting 19 home runs and hitting 26 doubles over the course of 110 games. Impressively, since May 2024, Riley's performance has seen an uptick, posting a slash line of .275/.339/.531, a significant improvement from his numbers heading into June, which stood at .228/.295/.353.
If Riley's recovery leans towards the quicker end of the estimated timeline, he might be back on the field during the crucial final week of the regular season. A potential comeback could align with the Braves' three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, if the recovery extends to the full eight weeks, Riley risks missing out on the remaining regular season and possibly the initial rounds of the postseason.
Injuries have plagued the Braves this season beyond Riley. They have been without ace Spencer Strider, who managed just two starts before a UCL tear ended his season. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has also been absent for nearly a month due to a wrist fracture. The team's challenges don't stop there, as star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a season-ending ACL tear in early June. Additionally, while Max Fried returned to the rotation from forearm neuritis, he has struggled to regain his All-Star form.
Despite these setbacks, the Braves remain contenders for a playoff spot. They currently hold a narrow two-game lead over the New York Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants are trailing the Braves by four games, while the St. Louis Cardinals find themselves five games back. The Braves are not just eyeing a wild-card berth but are also aiming to close a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. This pursuit is underscored by the franchise's impressive run of clinching the NL East title for the past six seasons.
In the interim, Luke Williams is expected to step in as the Braves' primary third baseman. While Williams faces the tough task of filling Riley's shoes, this opportunity could be crucial for his development and contribution to the team's playoff chase.
With a roster riddled with injuries, the Braves' resilience will be put to the test as they navigate through the remainder of the season. The coming weeks will be critical, not just for their playoff aspirations but also for the potential returns of key players like Riley.