Atlanta Braves Third Baseman Fractures Hand
The Atlanta Braves have been dealt a challenging blow as their third baseman underwent an MRI that revealed a fracture in his right hand. This unfortunate injury, sustained after being hit by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels reliever Jack Kochanowicz, is expected to keep him sidelined for the next six to eight weeks.
A pivotal player for the Braves, his absence will be keenly felt. The 2024 season has seen Riley batting .256/.322/.461 with 19 home runs and 26 doubles over 110 games. Notably, since May 2024, Riley has been in top form, improving his numbers to .275/.339/.531. This impressive streak comes after a slow start, where his slash line heading into June was .228/.295/.353.
Considering the recovery timeline, if Riley can manage to return on the quicker end of the spectrum, he could potentially rejoin the team during the final week of the regular season. This timeline aligns with the Braves' critical three-game home series against the New York Mets starting on September 24. However, if his recovery takes the full eight weeks, Riley would miss the remainder of the regular season, and his participation in the initial rounds of the postseason would be uncertain.
This injury is particularly significant given the Braves' current standing. They are trying to close a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East while holding a precarious two-game lead over the Mets for the third and final NL wild-card spot. The San Francisco Giants and the St. Louis Cardinals are also in close pursuit, trailing the Braves by four and five games, respectively, for that wild-card position.
The Braves have consistently shown resilience, having clinched the NL East title for the past six seasons. However, this year has presented more than its fair share of challenges. The team has already been navigating the season without 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 due to a wrist fracture. Ronald Acuña Jr., another key player, has been sidelined since early June with a season-ending ACL tear.
Amongst these adversities, Max Fried's return from forearm neuritis has provided some hope, though he has struggled to regain his rhythm. In light of Riley's injury, Luke Williams is expected to step in as the primary third baseman. Williams' performance will be crucial as the Braves strive to maintain their playoff hopes and continue their formidable legacy in the NL East.
The Braves' ability to adapt and persevere will be tested in the coming weeks. As the team rallies in the absence of multiple star players, the focus will undoubtedly be on strategic plays and optimal utilization of their roster. This intricate balancing act will be pivotal as they navigate the remainder of the season while aiming to secure their playoff position.
While there is uncertainty around Riley's exact return, what remains clear is that the Braves will need to summon all their strength and strategy to conclude the season on a strong note. The coming weeks will be critical in determining their postseason fate and continuing their impressive run in the NL East.