The Atlanta Braves have been plagued by injuries all season, and their misfortune continues to worsen.
As they battle for the third wild card spot in the National League, they’re doing so without several key All-Star players.
During Sunday’s game against the Angels, yet another All-Star, Austin Riley, became the latest injury concern.
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Riley, the Braves’ third baseman, was hit by a 97 mph fastball on his hand in the first inning. Although he stayed on the field to run the bases, he was removed from the game after the inning due to the obvious pain he was in.
If Riley is forced to miss significant time, it could be a major setback for the Braves. The best-case scenario is that the swelling subsides, imaging shows no fractures, and Riley is able to return in a few days. The worst-case scenario, however, could see Riley placed on the injured list for weeks, potentially ending his season and forcing the Braves to find another bat if his hand is broken.
Austin Riley was removed from the game after getting hit in the hand
(via @BallySportsSO)pic.twitter.com/fqOqnzWcCe
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) August 18, 2024
Riley has been a crucial piece for the Braves this season, posting a .256 batting average, a .322 on-base percentage, 19 home runs, 56 RBIs, and 109 hits in 110 games.
The Braves now await test results to determine the severity of Riley’s injury and hope he avoided serious damage. His presence will be critical if they want to make a push for the postseason.
