In a blow to the Atlanta Braves' playoff aspirations, third baseman Austin Riley is expected to miss six to eight weeks due to a fracture in his right hand. The injury was confirmed after Riley underwent an MRI following a hit-by-pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz. This development disrupts what has been a notable season for Riley, slashing .256/.322/.461 with 19 home runs and 26 doubles over 110 games.
Riley’s performance showed a significant turnaround since May 2024, where he improved his numbers to a .275/.339/.531 line. This was a substantial boost from his .228/.295/.353 slash line entering June. The Braves are now faced with the challenge of navigating the remainder of their regular season campaign without one of their key players. If Riley recovers at the quicker end of the expected timeline, he could potentially return during the final week of the regular season. The Braves have a crucial three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24, which could benefit from Riley's return. However, if his recovery extends to the full eight weeks, Riley’s season might be over, including the playoffs.
Adding to Atlanta's injury woes, the team has been without their ace, Spencer Strider, who made just two starts before a UCL tear ended his season. Additionally, All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has been out for nearly a month with a wrist fracture, and Ronald Acuña Jr. has been sidelined since early June with a season-ending ACL tear. Cy Young candidate Max Fried, who returned from forearm neuritis, has also struggled to regain his peak form.
The Braves currently hold a delicate two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. Trailing closely behind, the San Francisco Giants are four games back, and the St. Louis Cardinals are five games away from a wild-card berth. Closing a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East remains a daunting task, despite the Braves clinching the division title for the past six seasons.
With Riley on the sidelines, Luke Williams is anticipated to step in as the primary third baseman. Williams will face immense pressure to fill the void left by Riley and contribute to the team's effort to maintain their position in the playoff race. This whirlwind of injuries poses a significant test of depth and resilience for the Braves as they push towards the postseason.
The absence of key players has irrefutably shaken the Braves' lineup, yet the team's history of overcoming adversity provides a glimmer of hope. The organization’s recent success and strong farm system have built a foundation capable of withstanding significant setbacks. The closing weeks of the season will prove whether Atlanta can navigate these challenges and maintain their playoff hopes.