Atlanta Braves' Playoff Push Faces Setback with Riley Injury
The Atlanta Braves' quest to reach the postseason has encountered yet another obstacle. On Monday, the Braves' third baseman underwent an MRI which revealed a fracture in his right hand. This injury, sustained after being hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz, is expected to sideline him for the next six to eight weeks, potentially ending his season.
Riley's performance this year has been a cornerstone for the Braves. Batting .256/.322/.461 with 19 home runs and 26 doubles over 110 games, his contributions have been crucial. Since May 2024, Riley has significantly improved his numbers to .275/.339/.531, overcoming a slower start to the season where he posted a .228/.295/.353 slash line heading into June.
The timing of Riley's injury couldn't be worse for the Braves. If he recovers on the quicker end of the estimate, Riley could possibly return during the final week of the regular season. This would place his comeback around the Braves' pivotal three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, if his recovery extends to the full eight weeks, Riley would miss the remainder of the regular season and could be unavailable for the initial rounds of the postseason.
The Braves' lineup has been battered by injuries throughout the season, complicating their bid for a playoff spot. In addition to Riley, the team has been without ace Spencer Strider, who made just two starts before a UCL tear ended his season. All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has not played for nearly a month because of a wrist fracture, and Ronald Acuña Jr. has been out since early June with a season-ending ACL tear. Even when players have returned, like Max Fried from forearm neuritis, they have struggled to find their rhythm.
Currently, the Braves are locked in an intense battle for the third and final NL wild-card spot. They hold a precarious two-game lead over the Mets, while the San Francisco Giants and St. Louis Cardinals trail by four and five games, respectively. Meanwhile, the Braves are also striving to close a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The team has clinched the NL East title for the past six seasons, but continuing that streak will be an uphill battle given their current injury woes and underperformance.
In Riley's absence, Luke Williams is expected to take over as the primary third baseman. Williams, although capable, has big shoes to fill as the Braves struggle to maintain their hold on a playoff berth. This substitution will test the team's depth and resilience as they navigate the remaining weeks of the regular season.
For the Braves, a team accustomed to being at the top, the loss of Riley further exacerbates an already challenging situation. The next several weeks will be critical, and every game could determine their postseason fate. The Braves' ability to overcome these adversities will not only define their season but also showcase their tenacity and depth as a franchise aiming to keep their playoff streak alive amidst a wave of setbacks.