The Atlanta Braves face yet another setback in a season plagued by injuries as their third baseman, whose performance has been a pivotal part of the team, is now sidelined. An MRI scan revealed a fracture in his right hand, sustained after being hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz. This injury will keep him out for the next six to eight weeks, impacting the Braves' playoff push.
Over the span of 110 games this season, Riley has posted a batting line of .256/.322/.461, including 19 home runs and 26 doubles. His performance had been on an upward trajectory since May 2024, with an improved slash line of .275/.339/.531. Heading into June, his stats were significantly lower at .228/.295/.353, highlighting the considerable progress he made before this unfortunate injury.
If Riley manages to recover on the quicker end of the timeline, he could make his return during the final week of the regular season. This could coincide with a crucial three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, should his recovery extend to the full eight weeks, Riley would miss the remainder of the regular season and potentially be unavailable for the initial rounds of the postseason.
Braves' Depth Tested
In Riley's absence, Luke Williams is expected to step up as the primary third baseman. The challenge ahead for Williams is significant, as the Braves have already been grappling with the absence of several key players due to injuries. Ace pitcher Spencer Strider made only two starts before a UCL tear ended his season prematurely. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has not seen action for nearly a month due to a wrist fracture. Furthermore, star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has been out since early June following a season-ending ACL tear.
Max Fried, another critical member of the Braves' roster, recently returned from an bout of forearm neuritis. Despite being back on the field, he has struggled to regain his form, further complicating the Braves' efforts to stay competitive.
Playoff Picture and Rivalries
The Braves currently hold a precarious two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final National League (NL) wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants are four games behind the Braves, while the St. Louis Cardinals trail by five games, intensifying the competition for postseason berths. To add to the stakes, the Braves are also striving to close a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The team has a legacy to uphold, having clinched the NL East title for the past six seasons.
This season's injury troubles place immense pressure on the Braves' depth and resiliency. They will need contributions from every player on the roster to salvage their playoff hopes. Williams stepping in as the primary third baseman presents an opportunity for him to make a significant impact, though filling Riley's shoes is no small task.
The Braves' path to the playoffs is fraught with challenges, but the resilience they've shown in past seasons offers some hope. As they navigate these turbulent times, every game becomes a crucial juncture, and the performances of stand-in players and returning stars will be under intense scrutiny. The next few weeks will be pivotal in determining whether the Braves can overcome these hurdles and continue their postseason streak.