Injuries continue to make the Atlanta Braves’ 2024 season difficult and disappointing. The latest setback is third baseman Austin Riley’s fractured right hand, which is expected to sideline him for six to eight weeks. the team announced on Monday.
That schedule could mean Riley will miss the rest of the season. If the Braves make the playoffs — and they currently hold the third wild-card spot in the National League by two games — then he should be available. Still, Riley’s absence from Atlanta’s roster could also be a major factor in whether the team stays in that wild-card spot.
Riley, 27, is hitting .256 with a .783 OPS this season with 26 doubles, 19 homers and 56 RBIs. While that production is down considerably from his last two All-Star seasons, his home run total is still third among Braves hitters behind Marcell Ozuna (36) and Matt Olson (21).
Austin Riley underwent an MRI today which revealed a fracture in his right hand. He is expected to be out for six to eight weeks.
Additionally, the club today released right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López from his rehab assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and opted to…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 19, 2024
The six-year veteran left Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels in the first inning after being hit in the right wrist by a 97-mph fastball from Jack Kochanowicz. X-rays taken Sunday were inconclusive, Braves manager Brian Snitker said, but an MRI Monday confirmed the fracture.
Riley’s injury is the latest in a terrible series of circumstances for the Braves this season.
In April, staff ace Spencer Strider, a Cy Young Award candidate, underwent season-ending elbow surgery. Ronald Acuña Jr., the reigning National League MVP, tore the ACL in his left knee running to the bases in late May. Second baseman Ozzie Albies fractured his wrist in late July and is expected to be out until late September.
Outfielder Michael Harris II returned to the Braves lineup last week after missing two months with a hamstring injury, while pitcher Max Fried recently returned from a stint on the injured list with nerve inflammation in his forearm. Catcher Sean Murphy missed playing time earlier this season with an oblique strain. Jorge Soler (hamstring) and Travis d’Arnaud (wrist) have also missed recent games.
Luke Williams is expected to replace Riley at third base, but he’s hitting .118 with a .328 OPS, which could force Atlanta to consider other options. Whit Merrifield has played third base, but replaced Albies at second. That could leave Brian Anderson and Alejo Lopez to be recalled from Triple-A Gwinnett.
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