The term “next man up” is a common phrase that has been used by every sports organization that has ever existed. When one guy goes down, the rest of the team has to produce a little extra. The best teams always seem to get it, and the ones that don’t, usually find themselves on the outside looking in when the postseason arrives.
Injuries, to some degree, are inevitable. But for the 2024 Braves, this unfortunately may be a phrase that has been used one too many times to overcome. Atlanta’s Opening Day lineup card has been used a grand total of one time, with eight different All-Stars hitting the IL at one point or another, and that doesn’t include the likes of A.J. Minter, Michael Harris II, and Pierce Johnson, who have all missed significant time as well.
The latest name added to the list of guys out for the season is Austin Riley. The Braves third baseman was struck in the wrist with a 97 MPH fastball on Sunday, and on Monday, further tests revealed a fracture, which will sideline him for 6-8 weeks.
There’s still a chance Riley heals up fast enough to return for the postseason, but with just a 1.5-game lead in the NL Wild Card race over the Mets, the Braves have to get there first. They’re doing their best to keep up the mindset of “next man up,” but manager Brian Snitker put it best ahead of Tuesday’s matchup with the Phillies, “We’re having a hard time finding the next man up.”
A lot of talk about “next man up” mentality in the #Braves clubhouse. Manager Brian Snitker jokes after Austin Riley’s recent injury:
“We’re having a hard time finding the next mans up” pic.twitter.com/IIg3dnXCmI
— Victor Prieto (@victorprieto_11) August 20, 2024
At a certain point, you have to accept the truth. With Jorge Soler also out tonight due to hamstring tightness for the fifth straight game, the Braves are batting Ramon Laureano second, with the newly acquired Gio Urshela and Whit Merrifield rounding out the lineup. If you had told me that back in March, my mind wouldn’t have been able to comprehend all of the things that would have to go wrong for that to happen.
It’s been that kind of year for the Braves, but this is still a team with a chance, thanks in large part to arguably the best pitching staff in baseball. With Ozzie Albies and potentially Austin Riley returning for a playoff run, this current group must find a way to keep their heads above water. Because if you can get in the dance in the sport of baseball, anything can happen.
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Photographer: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
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