Austin Riley Still Sidelined Against Cubs
10 months agoAtlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (intercostal) remains sidelined for the series finale at Wrigley Field on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. It's a mild surprise that Atlanta hasn't put Riley on the injured list yet, as this will be his 10th straight missed game due to a left-intercostal strain. The good news is that the 27-year-old right-handed slugger was able to take some swings on the field earlier this week. However, if he's not able to return this weekend for a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, it would be even more of a surprise if he's not put on the IL. The former 41st overall pick in 2015 is currently slashing .245/.319/.388 with only three home runs and 18 RBI, but he remains a must-start when he's healthy. Luke Williams will get the start at third on Thursday instead of Zack Short and will hit ninth against Cubs right-hander Ben Brown.
Source: Atlanta Braves
Source: Atlanta Braves
Austin Riley Hit By Pitch On Friday, X-Rays Come Back Negative
2 weeks agoAtlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (forearm, wrist) left Friday's Grapefruit League game against the division-rival Washington Nationals after he was hit by a pitch in the right forearm/wrist area. Riley passed initial strength tests, and X-rays came back negative for any broken bones, according to The Atlanta Journal-Constitution's Justin Toscano. The 27-year-old will now go for a CT scan, with the Braves not saying anything until they have the full update. While it appears Riley avoided a significant injury, he's not out of the woods just yet. We will continue to monitor the situation, but expect him to miss at least a few days in camp. If the CT scan doesn't show anything serious, Riley should be ready for Opening Day in late March. There is more concern here since Riley dealt with a fractured hand in 2024, which wasn't discovered until he had a CT scan. Stay tuned. UPDATE: Riley is considered day-to-day and will not have to return to Atlanta for further testing.
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano
Austin Riley Takes Batting Practice On Wednesday
1 month agoAtlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (hand) was seen taking batting practice at Braves camp on Wednesday. It's a nice sight for the Braves after Riley's 2024 season was cut short last year due to a fractured hand that he suffered on Aug. 18. The 27-year-old avoided surgery, though, and appears to be full go for spring training this year. If he avoids injuries in 2025, fantasy managers should be getting an elite power hitter that is a good bet to return to the 30-homer mark. The former first-rounder and two-time All-Star hit a combined 75 long balls in 2022 and 2023 but fell to 19 home runs and 56 RBI in just 110 games played last season because of his hand injury. Fantasy managers shouldn't hold his 2024 injury against him in drafts this spring. RotoBaller currently has Riley ranked as the No. 4 fantasy third baseman.
Source: Grant McAuley
Source: Grant McAuley
Austin Riley Done For The Season
6 months agoAtlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (hand) will not return this season, according to manager Brian Snitker. Riley's hand simply was not healing fast enough after he had a CT scan on Monday. Even if the Braves sneak into the postseason in a wild-card spot, Riley will not be able to help them out in October. It's a big blow to a team that basically needs to win each game this week to have a shot at getting into the playoffs. The 27-year-old right-handed slugger is out with a fractured hand and will finish a disappointing year after making the All-Star squad in both 2022 and 2023. In 110 games played in 2024, he slashed .256/.322/.461 with a .783 OPS, 19 home run, 56 RBI and 63 runs scored. Riley had clubbed 30-plus homers in each of the previous three seasons. The slick-fielding Gio Urshela should be Atlanta's primary third baseman the rest of the way.
Source: Grant McAuley
Source: Grant McAuley
Austin Riley To Have A CT Scan On Monday
6 months agoAtlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (hand) will undergo a CT scan on Monday to determine if his broken right hand has healed fully and if he can remove his cast. Riley broke the hamate bone in his right hand and has been out since the middle of August. Even if Riley is able to remove his cast next week, it isn't guaranteed that he'd be able to return for Atlanta if they are able to secure the final wild-card spot in the National League for the postseason in October. The 27-year-old right-handed slugger should have already been dropped in season-long leagues since he won't return in the final month of the regular season. Atlanta's offense has been limping to the finish line with outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) and Riley missing extended time in 2024 due to injuries. In 110 games before breaking his hand, Riley hit 19 homers and drove in 56. It's been a disappointing year after three straight 30-homer campaigns.
Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien
Source: The Athletic - David O'Brien
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