The Atlanta Braves have encountered yet another significant setback as they announced that third baseman Austin Riley will miss the remainder of the regular season due to a broken right hand. The injury occurred when Riley was struck by a 97 mph fastball from Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz during the first inning of Sunday’s 3-1 victory for the Braves. An MRI later confirmed the fracture, sidelining Riley for six to eight weeks, which could extend into the playoffs if the Braves manage to qualify.
Riley’s injury is a significant blow to the Braves, who are currently battling for a wild-card spot. With a 1 1/2-game lead over the New York Mets for the final wild-card position, Atlanta is preparing to face the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies in a crucial three-game series. The Braves, who have won six consecutive division titles, are now seven games behind the Phillies, making a wild-card berth their most realistic path to the postseason.
This latest injury adds to a growing list of absences for Atlanta, which has already lost key players, including NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and ace pitcher Spencer Strider, to season-ending injuries. Other vital contributors such as second baseman Ozzie Albies, center fielder Michael Harris II, catcher Sean Murphy, and reliever A.J. Minter have also missed significant time due to injuries.
Riley’s absence leaves a considerable gap in the Braves’ lineup. The third baseman, who has hit 19 home runs and driven in 56 RBIs over 110 games this season, was already dealing with injuries earlier in the year, including a strained muscle near his rib cage that sidelined him for two weeks in May. His 37 home runs last season and 153 career homers since debuting in 2019 highlight his importance to the team.
With the trade deadline passed, the Braves are left with limited options to fill Riley’s position. Luke Williams, who replaced Riley at third base after the injury, has struggled this season, going just 2-for-17, and is not seen as a long-term solution. The Braves might consider moving Whit Merrifield, currently covering second base in place of the injured Albies, to third base. Alternatively, they could give another opportunity to top prospect Nacho Alvarez, who struggled in an earlier stint with the team and is currently dealing with pneumonia in Triple-A Gwinnett.
In some positive news for the Braves, right-handed pitcher Reynaldo López has been recalled from his rehab assignment and is set to start the series opener against the Phillies. López, who has a 7-4 record with a 2.06 ERA and an All-Star appearance this season, last pitched on July 28 before being sidelined with forearm inflammation. To make room for López on the roster, the Braves have optioned reliever Jimmy Herget to Triple-A.
As the Braves scramble to adjust to their latest loss, their postseason hopes now hinge on their ability to overcome these injuries and find viable replacements within their roster.
With Austin Riley sidelined due to a broken hand, the Atlanta Braves face the challenge of finding a suitable replacement at third base. The options available to the Braves include:
1. **Luke Williams**: Williams stepped in at third base immediately after Riley’s injury, but his performance this season has been limited, with just 2 hits in 17 at-bats. While he’s a versatile player capable of covering multiple positions, his offensive struggles make him a less than ideal full-time replacement.
2. **Whit Merrifield**: Currently filling in at second base for the injured Ozzie Albies, Merrifield could potentially shift to third base. He’s a seasoned veteran with experience at multiple infield positions, but moving him would leave another gap at second base that the Braves would need to address.
3. **Nacho Alvarez**: A top prospect in the Braves’ system, Alvarez was previously given a chance to fill in for Albies but struggled, going just 3-for-30 at the plate before being sent back to Triple-A. Alvarez is dealing with pneumonia, so his immediate availability is in question. However, if he recovers and the Braves decide to give him another shot, he could return as a potential option at third base.
4. **Other Minor League Options**: The Braves could also consider other third base options from Triple-A, such as **Brian Anderson** or **Alejo López**. These players have more experience and could provide a more stable option at the hot corner, though they may not have the same upside as a younger prospect like Alvarez.
Given these options, the Braves are likely to use a combination of players to fill the void left by Riley, depending on matchups and who shows the best form. However, replacing Riley’s production in the lineup will be a significant challenge as the team tries to secure a playoff spot.