The Atlanta Braves have suffered another injury blow with third baseman Austin Riley placed on the 10-day injured list due to a strained right abdomen. This setback arrives as the team prepares to face the New York Yankees in an important three-game series at Truist Park, placing additional pressure on their lineup and postseason hopes amid an already challenging season.
With a 42-53 record, the Braves are striving to overcome numerous injuries to stay competitive, emphasizing the need for resilience against a powerful Yankees offense in the upcoming games.
Adjustments in the Braves’ Lineup After Riley’s Exit
Riley sustained his injury during the Braves’ narrow 6-5 victory over the St. Louis Cardinals on July 11, forcing him to leave the game in the fourth inning. The following day, the team moved him to the injured list and called up infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. from Triple-A Gwinnett, where Alvarez boasted a .361 batting average over 11 games.
Nacho Alvarez Jr., who struggled last season with a 3-for-30 record in eight major league games, will share time at third base alongside Luke Williams as the Braves seek to fill the void. The team also strengthened their pitching depth by claiming left-handed pitcher Joey Wentz off waivers from Minnesota, while sending right-hander Nathan Wiles back to Gwinnett.
Before his injury, Riley had maintained a solid .274 batting average with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs across 93 games. He is expected to return following the All-Star break, with eligibility set for July 22.
Braves’ Pitching Staff Faces Significant Challenges
The Braves’ pitching situation remains precarious, as several key starters are sidelined by serious injuries. Chris Sale is out with a fractured left ribcage, Spencer Schwellenbach has suffered a fractured right elbow, and AJ Smith-Shawver is recovering from a torn right UCL. Additionally, Reynaldo López is dealing with right shoulder inflammation.
Joe Jiménez faces the possibility of missing the entire 2025 season due to left knee surgery. This leaves Atlanta relying heavily on starters Spencer Strider, Grant Holmes, Bryce Elder, and Davis Daniel to carry the rotation. Strider, who was sidelined early in 2025, made his return in late May and is slated to start the opener on Friday.
Despite these difficulties, the Braves hold an 11-7 record following losses, giving some hope for maintaining competitiveness even with their limited pitching depth.
Comparing Braves’ Offensive Prospects With Yankees’ Firepower
The New York Yankees, standing at 53-43 and trailing the Toronto Blue Jays by two games in the AL East, bring formidable offensive numbers into the series. They lead Major League Baseball with 151 home runs and rank fourth in RBIs. Aaron Judge spearheads their lineup with a .355 batting average, 35 home runs, and a 1.194 OPS. Jazz Chisholm Jr. contributes a solid .250 average with 17 home runs, adding to New York’s threat.
Although the Yankees’ pitching staff has also been hit hard, missing stars such as Gerrit Cole, Clarke Schmidt (undergoing Tommy John surgery), and Luis Gil (right lat strain), the team still demonstrates significant scoring potential. A starting pitcher for Friday’s game has not been announced, but the Yankees hold a 15-15 record in interleague play this season.
Meanwhile, Atlanta depends on Matt Olson, who has 17 home runs and 61 RBIs, along with Ronald Acuña Jr., hitting .323 with 12 home runs in 45 games. Acuña, recently promoted to the third spot in the lineup behind Jurickson Profar, has recorded hits in three of his last four contests.
Experts lean slightly toward the Yankees given their offensive advantages and the Braves’ circumscribed pitching options, making the series an unpredictable and highly contested encounter.
Implications of Riley’s Injury and What Lies Ahead for the Braves
Austin Riley’s absence underscores the adversity the Braves face during a critical stretch of the season. His injury impacts not only the infield configuration but also the team’s offensive consistency in a matchup against one of baseball’s most powerful lineups. The Braves’ ability to adapt—through contributions from players like Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Luke Williams, combined with the resilience of their limited pitching staff—will shape their chances heading into the final push toward postseason contention.
The upcoming three-game series against the Yankees provides a significant test of the Braves’ depth and determination. Performance during these games could influence their trajectory in the NL East and reveal how effectively they can weather current challenges.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why did Austin Riley get taken out?
A. Unfortunately, in Friday’s match against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team shared on X that he left the game due to tightness in his lower abdomen. Third baseman Austin Riley was taken out because of this issue.
Q. Who is Austin Riley’s dad?
A. Austin Riley is the first-born child of Mike and Elisa Riley.
Q. Why did Austin Riley leave?
A. The Atlanta Braves have put third baseman Austin Riley on the 10-day injured list due to a right abdominal strain. Riley, who has been an All-Star twice, left Friday’s game against St. Louis in the fourth inning because of the injury. The Braves won that game 6-5.
Q. What’s the matter with Austin Riley?
A. Riley has a strained right abdomen and was added to the Braves’ injured list. This happened among several roster changes for the team.
In St. Louis on Saturday, the Braves made multiple player moves, one of which was placing third baseman Austin Riley on the 10-day injured list.