The Braves introduced that third baseman Austin Riley received’t return this 12 months, neither within the common season nor the postseason. A latest CT scan of his fractured hand confirmed that it hasn’t healed sufficient to take off his forged. At this level, there’s not sufficient time for him to heal and return to the membership. David O’Brien of The Athletic was amongst these to relay phrase from supervisor Brian Snitker.
Riley suffered the harm Aug. 18 when he was hit by a pitch on his hand. The next day, the membership introduced the fracture and that his timeline to return can be about six to eight weeks. There have been solely about six weeks left within the common season at that second, however there was nonetheless some hope of Riley having the ability to return for the postseason if the membership performed deep into October.
Sadly, his hand and the calendar have conspired towards him, and he received’t be capable of assist the membership out this 12 months, no matter how lengthy they keep alive with out him. It’s an unlucky growth for the Braves, as Riley has been one in every of their greatest gamers in recent times. From 2021 to the current, he’s hit 127 house runs and slashed .280/.348/.513 for a wRC+ 132. He scuffled at occasions in 2024 however nonetheless managed to hit 19 homers and slash .256/.322/.461 for a 116 wRC+ earlier than struggling his harm.
That is simply the most recent in a string of accidents which have hamstrung the membership all 12 months. Spencer Strider required UCL surgical procedure in April. Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered a torn ACL in June. Ozzie Albies and Michael Harris II missed vital time attributable to accidents as nicely, although each are again now.
These accidents have performed a key function within the membership having a disappointing 12 months. Coming into 2024, they have been thought-about one of many prime groups within the majors however they’re at present preventing for his or her lives. At 85-71, they’re 1.5 video games again of the Diamondbacks for the ultimate wild-card spot within the Nationwide League, with the Mets additionally half a sport forward of the Snakes. The Braves might nonetheless nab a spot, particularly since they kick off a three-game set towards the Mets Tuesday night time, however it’s not the place they deliberate to be.
They should attempt to squeeze in to the playoffs with out Riley after which proceed by way of the postseason with out him as nicely. Gio Urshela was signed to cowl for Riley at third and can presumably proceed to take action. He has hit .270/.289/.423 for a wRC+ of 95 since becoming a member of the squad. Maybe Whit Merrifield will consider now that Albies is again at second, although Merrifield is taking part in by way of a left foot fracture.
Riley will nonetheless be an enormous a part of the membership’s future, as he signed a 10-year, $212M extension in August 2022. That deal runs by way of 2032 and there’s a membership possibility for 2033. As soon as his hand heals, he’ll presumably be in line for a reasonably regular offseason in preparation for 2025.
