The Atlanta Braves' playoff aspirations have been dealt a significant blow with the news that their third baseman is sidelined due to a fracture in his right hand. An MRI revealed the extent of the injury, which occurred after being hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz. The recovery period for this injury is projected to be six to eight weeks, leaving a critical gap in the Braves’ lineup during a crucial stretch of the season.
Riley's Season So Far
Before this setback, Riley was a key contributor to the Braves' offense. His stats for the season include a batting line of .256/.322/.461, highlighted by 19 home runs and 26 doubles over 110 games. However, Riley's performance had shown a marked improvement since May 2024, with his numbers rising to .275/.339/.531. This improvement was a welcome development after a sluggish start that saw him hitting .228/.295/.353 heading into June.
Impact of Injury
If Riley's recovery falls on the shorter end of the estimate, he could potentially make a comeback during the final week of the regular season. The Braves’ three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24 could mark his return. However, if his recovery stretches to the full eight weeks, Riley may miss the remainder of the regular season and could be unavailable for the initial rounds of the postseason. Considering Riley’s escalating contributions, his prolonged absence would be a significant loss for a team already beset by injuries.
Braves’ Current Injury Woes
Riley's injury adds to a growing list of key Braves players sidelined this season. The Braves have already been without ace Spencer Strider, whose season ended prematurely after just two starts due to a UCL tear. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has been out of action for nearly a month, dealing with a wrist fracture. Additionally, the team suffered a substantial blow when Ronald Acuña Jr. was ruled out for the season following an ACL tear in early June. Even Max Fried’s return from forearm neuritis hasn't provided the stability the pitching staff desperately needs, as he has struggled to regain his form.
In the Hunt for Postseason
Despite these injuries, the Braves remain in a heated race for the postseason. They currently maintain a two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants trail the Braves by four games, while the St. Louis Cardinals linger five games back. Furthermore, the Braves are working to overcome a seven-game deficit to the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The Phillies' consistent performance has made it challenging for the Braves to bridge this gap, although the team has shown resilience in the past, having clinched the NL East title for the past six seasons.
Next Man Up
With Riley out, Luke Williams is expected to take over as the primary third baseman. Williams now has the challenging task of filling the void left by Riley's absence. The Braves' lineup will need to adapt quickly to maintain their competitive edge in the playoff race. While Riley's return timeline remains uncertain, the Braves' depth will be tested in these critical weeks.
As the season winds down, the Braves will need to rely on both their seasoned veterans and emerging talent to navigate this period of adversity. The stakes are high, and every game becomes increasingly significant as they fight to secure their position in the postseason and possibly close the gap in their division.