Austin Riley is approaching a return to the Atlanta Braves lineup after a right abdominal strain kept him sidelined since July 12. The Braves’ manager, Brian Snitker, confirmed that Riley has been participating in running drills and will undergo another assessment on Monday to determine his readiness. The team faces a decision this week about whether Riley will be activated when he becomes eligible to come off the 10-day injured list on Tuesday.
Testing Fielding Ability Remains Crucial Before Activation
While Riley’s batting during recovery has shown no significant problems, the Braves are cautious about his fielding capabilities. Snitker explained the primary concern involves Riley repeating the specific movement that previously caused pain when he fielded a slow roller. This test is necessary to ensure he can perform defensively without re-injury before the team finalizes its decision on his activation.
“It’s just making the same move that was hurting when he came in on the slow roller,” Snitker said. “So, they wanted to do that again before they decide.” —Brian Snitker, Braves Manager
Injury Impact and Season Performance of Riley and His Substitute
Riley’s mild injury came during a series opener against the St. Louis Cardinals, forcing an early exit and subsequent time on the injured list. His return as soon as possible would be ideal for the Braves, as the recovery period from such an injury can vary significantly. To this point, his season statistics show a .274 batting average with a .764 OPS, 14 home runs, and 48 RBIs over 93 games, indicating his role remains valuable despite the ups and downs this year.
In his absence, prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. has taken over third base duties. Alvarez’s limited major league exposure this season includes five games, where he has batted .222 with a .578 OPS and no home runs or RBIs. This represents noticeable improvement from his previous 3-for-30 debut last season. The Braves will assess whether Alvarez continues with the major league squad after Riley returns or if additional development time at Triple-A would better serve his growth.
Braves’ Next Steps and Implications for the Lineup
The decision to activate Riley will not only affect the team’s infield defense but also its offensive strength. With Riley’s return pending, the Braves can expect to regain one of their key bats, potentially impacting their competitiveness in the coming weeks. Meanwhile, how the organization manages Alvarez’s role could influence roster construction and player development moving forward.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. What happened to Austin Riley?
A. According to a report, Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley worked on recovery in Memphis during the All-Star break. He mentions that he is feeling a lot better now. Riley was put on the injured list on July 12th because of a strain in his right abdomen. Thankfully, he practiced batting on Friday and is expected to return next week.
Q. What’s the matter with Austin Riley?
A. Riley, dealing with a right abdomen strain, was put on the Braves’ injured list. This happened during a busy time for team changes. This move occurred on Saturday, as the Braves have frequently dealt with injuries throughout the season. Riley plays third base and will be on the injured list for ten days.