FILE - In this June 29, 2016, file photo, Atlanta Braves interim manager Brian Snitker (43) watches in the ninth inning of a baseball game against the Cleveland Indians,in Atlanta. The Braves have named Snitker as manager, Tuesday, Oct. 11, 2016, rewarding him for reversing the team’s direction in his role as interim manager this season. (AP Photo/Todd Kirkland, File)
ATLANTA (AP) – The injury-riddled Atlanta Braves faced another significant setback as they announced on Monday that third baseman Austin Riley will be sidelined for the remainder of the regular season after suffering a broken right hand.
Riley was hit by a 97 mph fastball from Los Angeles Angels starter Jack Kochanowicz during the first inning of Atlanta’s 3-1 victory on Sunday.
An MRI confirmed the fracture, ruling Riley out for six to eight weeks, which likely extends into the playoffs if the Braves secure a spot.
With a two-game lead over the New York Mets for the final wild-card position, the Braves enter a crucial three-game series against the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies on Tuesday.
The Braves, winners of six straight division titles, are now seven games behind the Phillies, threatening their streak. A wild-card berth remains the most probable path to Top up a seventh consecutive postseason appearance.
Atlanta has already lost NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace pitcher Spencer Strider to season-ending injuries. Several other key players, including second baseman Ozzie Albies, center fielder Michael Harris II, and catcher Sean Murphy, have also missed significant time. This marks the second major setback for Riley, who has 19 home runs and 56 RBIs in 110 games, having missed two weeks in May with a rib cage strain.
Now, facing a more severe injury, Riley’s absence creates a significant gap in the Braves’ lineup. With the trade deadline passed, the team has limited internal options to fill the void.
Riley, who hit 37 home runs last season and has 153 career homers since his 2019 debut, leaves a big hole in Atlanta’s offense.
Luke Williams, who is just 2 for 17 this season, replaced Riley at third base on Sunday but isn’t a viable long-term solution. The Braves might consider moving Whit Merrifield, currently filling in at second base for Albies, over to third and giving top prospect Nacho Alvarez another chance.
However, Alvarez struggled in his previous stint, going just 3 for 30 as Albies’ replacement, leading to his return to Triple-A Gwinnett.
The Braves did receive some positive news, announcing that Reynaldo López has been recalled from his rehab assignment to start the series opener against the Phillies.
The right-hander, who boasts a 7-4 record with a 2.06 ERA and made his first All-Star appearance, last pitched on July 28 against the Mets before going on the injured list with forearm inflammation.
