The Braves introduced that third baseman Austin Riley received’t return this yr, 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 could 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 with the ability to return for the postseason if the membership performed deep into October.
Sadly, his hand and the calendar have conspired in opposition to him, and he received’t be capable of assist the membership out this yr, no matter how lengthy they keep alive with out him. It’s an unlucky improvement for the Braves, as Riley has been one in every of their finest gamers in recent times. From 2021 to the current, he’s hit 127 residence runs and slashed .280/.348/.513 for a wRC+ 132. He scuffled at instances 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 newest in a string of accidents which have hamstrung the membership all yr. 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 properly, although each are again now.
These accidents have performed a key function within the membership having a disappointing yr. Coming into 2024, they have been thought-about one of many prime groups within the majors however they’re at the moment 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 in opposition to the Mets Tuesday night time, however it’s not the place they deliberate to be.
They must attempt to squeeze in to the playoffs with out Riley after which proceed by means of the postseason with out him as properly. 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 think about now that Albies is again at second, although Merrifield is enjoying by means 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 means 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.
