When is Austin Riley Coming Back? Fantasy Baseball Injury Return Update

After an inauspicious start to his big league career, the Braves' Austin Riley has emerged as an elite hitter and one of the top fantasy baseball options at the third base position.

The 27-year-old has been one of the game's premier hitters over the last three seasons, hitting .286 with 108 home runs in that time, the latter of which ranked sixth in all of baseball. He set new career highs with 117 runs scored and 97 RBI in the 2023 season while his .373 wOBA over the last three seasons ranks 14th, right in between Corey Seager and Vladimir Guerrero Jr.

Riley suffered a side injury on a swing against the New York Mets on May 12 and hasn't appeared since. Let's dive into his current status and see when he could return and what fantasy managers can expect when he gets back into the lineup.

• Fantasy baseball injury reports
• Fantasy baseball trade analyzer
• Daily MLB starting lineups for fantasy baseball
• Fantasy baseball BvP matchups data (Batter vs. Pitcher)
• Fantasy baseball PvB matchups data (Pitcher vs. Batter)
• Who should I start? Fantasy baseball player comparisons
• Fantasy baseball closer depth charts, bullpens, saves
• Fantasy Baseball live scoreboard, daily leaderboards

Austin Riley Injury Update for Fantasy Baseball

Fortunately, this issue appears to be a day-to-day issue rather than missing any sort of notable time. According to Bally Sports South, Riley underwent an MRI that simply revealed some inflammation.

A positive Austin Riley update brought to you by @HannaRaeYates‼️ pic.twitter.com/Hq4fv1Gbnx

— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) May 14, 2024

He is out of the lineup for the third straight game on Wednesday but with the Braves idle on Thursday, it appears there is a very real chance Riley could return for Friday's series opener against the visiting Padres.

Austin Riley Fantasy Baseball Outlook

So, what should fantasy managers expect upon Riley's return to action? What a silly question.

Sure, he didn't come out of the gate hot this season, hitting .245 with a trio of homers and a .706 OPS across 163 trips to the plate. At the same time, he ranks in the league's 80th percentile or better in barrel rate, average exit velocity, bat speed, and hard-hit rate. There is absolutely nothing to be concerned about with an elite hitter firmly in his prime.

Austin Riley goes the opposite way for a 2-run triple! pic.twitter.com/sHCj3P6hyN

— MLB (@MLB) May 1, 2024

Not only do fantasy managers not have to concern themselves with a lengthy timeline but they can expect a bounce back from their prized third baseman, likely in the coming days.

More Fantasy Baseball Analysis