In a significant setback for the Atlanta Braves, their third baseman has been sidelined following an MRI that revealed a fracture in his right hand. The injury occurred after a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz struck him, and it is expected to keep him out for the next six to eight weeks.
Impact on Riley's Season
This injury interrupts what has been a critical season for Riley. He has been a consistent presence in the lineup, batting .256/.322/.461 with 19 home runs and 26 doubles over 110 games. Since May 2024, however, Riley had taken his performance up a notch, upgrading his numbers to an impressive .275/.339/.531. This follows a rocky start to the season, where his slash line heading into June was .228/.295/.353.
Potential Return Timeline
If Riley recuperates on the faster end of the six to eight-week estimate, there’s a possibility he might rejoin the club around the final week of the regular season. This scenario would align his return with the Braves' pivotal three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. Conversely, if his recovery stretches to the full eight weeks, he would miss the remainder of the regular season and potentially be unavailable for the initial rounds of the postseason.
Team's Current Challenges
The Braves are no strangers to injury woes this season. Ace pitcher Spencer Strider was sidelined after just two starts due to a UCL tear, ending his season prematurely. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has been out of action for nearly a month with a wrist fracture, and Ronald Acuña Jr. has been absent since early June following a season-ending ACL tear. Additionally, Max Fried’s return from forearm neuritis has yet to yield the desired results, as he continues to struggle to find his rhythm.
Braves' Playoff Aspirations
Despite these setbacks, the Braves are in the thick of the National League playoff race. They currently hold a two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants are trailing the Braves by four games, with the St. Louis Cardinals another game behind. The Braves are also striving to close the seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East, a division they have dominantly clinched for the past six seasons.
Next Man Up
In Riley's absence, Luke Williams is expected to step up as the primary third baseman. Williams' ability to fill in effectively will be crucial as the Braves navigate this challenging period and pursue their postseason ambitions.
Only time will tell how Riley's injury and recovery will ultimately impact the Braves' season. For now, the team will have to rely on its depth and resilience as it continues its push for the playoffs.