The Braves wrapped up a good week of baseball on Sunday with a victory over the Angels, their fifth win of the week in seven tries on the road, but their latest injury might just be the straw that breaks the camel’s back.
Austin Riley was removed from yesterday’s game after being struck in the wrist with a 97 MPH fastball in the first inning, undoubtedly the worst place to be hit with a ball, which often results in significant time missed.
Austin Riley has been removed from today's game after getting hit by this pitch. pic.twitter.com/uRoiOKSjuw
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) August 18, 2024
As the game concluded, Braves fans anxiously awaited for the update on Riley. Unfortunately, it was not the news we all were hoping for. Brian Snitker was extremely vague after the game, saying it swelled up quickly but tests were inconclusive. Riley will undergo further tests back in Atlanta to determine what is next.
“All the tests he had here were inconclusive. So we are going to wait until tomorrow and get him to our people.”
Brian Snitker provides an update on Austin Riley🔊 pic.twitter.com/KTVba8aX7A
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) August 18, 2024
Judging by that, Riley will undoubtedly need an IL stint, but this really feels like we could be heading toward a worst case scenario. If anything is broken, Riley will likely miss the rest of the season, an absolute nightmare for a Braves team that has been cursed by the injury bug more than any team I can remember.
Hopefully, that isn’t the case, but if it is, the Braves options at third base are basically non-existent. They’ll have to roll with someone like Luke Williams or pluck somebody off the waiver wire to fill Riley’s spot. This is a club that was already severely short-handed, and Riley is the most important player on the roster at this point. Losing him for an extended period might be what finally puts what has been an excruciatingly painful season to bed, but somehow the Braves continue to battle despite everything that has transpired this year.
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Photo: John Adams/Icon Sportswire
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