The Atlanta Braves have placed third baseman Austin Riley on the 10-day injured list due to a strained right abdomen, creating concerns as the team approaches a critical phase of the season. Alongside this move, right-handed pitcher Nathan Wiles was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, with infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. called up from Gwinnett and left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz claimed off waivers from the Minnesota Twins filling the two open roster spots.
Riley had started in the Braves’ 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals but was forced to leave early in the fourth inning due to discomfort. Manager Brian Snitker indicated that Riley may have sustained the injury during an infield throw and that the team chose precautionary measures since the soreness lingered.
Managerial Insights and Injury Details
Further updates on Riley’s condition were expected following a meeting between Snitker and reporters, though placing Riley on the injured list so soon after the injury could signal a more cautious approach. On a positive note, the injury has been described as a general abdomen strain rather than a specific oblique strain, which might be less severe. With the All-Star break approaching, the Braves may be aiming to maximize Riley’s recovery by ensuring he receives the full 10 days off, rather than risking aggravation by an early return.
Riley’s Track Record of Durability and Recent Performance
Austin Riley has been remarkably durable since 2021, appearing in 681 of a possible 741 games over that span, including all 93 games of the current season. However, his durability took a significant hit last year when a fractured hand ended his campaign prematurely in August.
While Riley showcased star-level production between 2021 and 2023, his recent performance has been more average. After posting a 116 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) rating in 2024, he has maintained a 113 wRC+ in 408 plate appearances in 2025. His current slash line stands at .274/.324/.441, accompanied by 14 home runs. Despite a high batting average on balls in play (BABIP) of .356 and strong hard-contact metrics, Riley’s struggles with plate discipline have worsened.
His walk rate has dropped to 6.1%, considerably below the league average, while his strikeout rate has climbed to 27.7%, placing him in the bottom eighth percentile of all MLB hitters. These walk and strikeout rates represent career lows and highs, respectively, surpassing even the difficulties he faced during his rookie season in 2019.
Significance of Riley’s Absence for the Braves
The timing of Riley’s injury could not be worse, as he had hit an impressive .891 OPS over his last 50 plate appearances, signaling a surge in form. Given the Braves’ disappointing 41-52 record, every game missed by a key player like Riley hurts their hopes of climbing the playoff standings. Even a brief absence could have detrimental effects on the team’s competitiveness as they continue to slip in the race for postseason spots.
The Braves appear to be cautious with roster moves, as recent reports suggest they plan to deal mostly rental players at the July 31 trade deadline, if they decide to sell players at all. Riley, being a core member of the lineup, remains a crucial part of the team’s future plans.
Interim Lineup Adjustments and Player Roles
Riley’s importance to the Braves lineup is highlighted by the fact that Luke Williams’ six innings filling in at third base during Riley’s early exit marked the first time this season that anyone other than Riley has started at that position. Williams is likely to see increased playing time at third base during Riley’s recovery.
Meanwhile, Nacho Alvarez Jr. will also contribute, marking his first major league action in 2025. His role will be important despite limited recent activity, as he has only made 13 appearances in Triple-A this year due to a wrist injury and an oblique strain. Alvarez’s minor league experience at third base positions him as a viable option while Riley is sidelined.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Is Austin Riley religious?
A. On Thursday night, North Greenwood Baptist Church’s gym was filled with about 400 people. They came to meet and listen to Austin Riley, the third baseman for the Atlanta Braves. He was this year’s speaker at the Men’s Ministry Sportsman’s Banquet.
Q. What happened with Austin Riley?
A. On Friday, the third baseman got a scare when a Nationals Minor League pitcher named Jackson Rutledge hit his right hand with a 94 mph fastball. This was the same hand that had previously been broken by Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz’s 97 mph fastball on August 18.
Q. Why did Austin Riley leave?
A. The Braves shared on X, earlier known as Twitter, that Riley exited the game to be cautious. Justin Toscano from the AJC tweeted about Riley being in clear discomfort. Third baseman, Austin Riley, left the game after being struck by a pitch on his right hand. Nick Allen took over at third base for the Braves.
Q. What happened to Austin Riley?
A. His season was cut short when a 97 mph fastball from Los Angeles Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz struck his right hand. An MRI showed his hand was broken. Riley ranked seventh in MVP voting in 2021, sixth in 2022, and seventh again in 2023.