A broken hand is expected to keep Atlanta Braves third baseman out for six to eight weeks, which is another major setback for the team.
On Monday, the Atlanta Braves, who are already dealing with injuries, got more worse news. Austin Riley, the third baseman, broke his right hand and will miss at least the remainder of the regular season.
In the first inning of Atlanta’s 3-1 victory on Sunday, Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz hit Riley with a fastball that clocked at 97 mph. After the fracture was discovered via an MRI, he will be out for six to eight weeks, which means he won’t be able to participate in the playoffs if the Braves advance.
Before beginning their next three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies, who are leading the NL East, the Braves were two games ahead of the New York Mets for the last wild-card slot.
The Braves are seven games behind the Phillies in the standings due to injuries, putting their six-year winning run in jeopardy. With a two-game lead over the Mets, their immediate goal is to secure a wild-card place.
Riley has had two serious injuries so far this season. Due to an injured muscle close to his rib cage, he had already missed two weeks in May. With a major injury right now, the Braves have a big hole in their lineup. They don’t have many possibilities for replacing him because the trade deadline has already gone.
Riley blasted 37 home runs in the previous season and has 153 total since making his Atlanta debut in 2019. Luke Williams, who is hitting.118 this season, filled in at third base after Riley’s injury, but he might not be a long-term fix.
The Braves may move top prospect Nacho Alvarez to third base and move Whit Merrifield, who is presently filling in at second base, there
