The Atlanta Braves will miss Austin Riley for at least one game this week.
The Atlanta Braves have placed third baseman Austin Riley on the paternity list and recalled infielder Luke Williams from Triple-A.
The #Braves today recalled INF Luke Williams to Atlanta and placed INF Austin Riley on the paternity list.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 23, 2024
He is celebrating the birth of his second child. Riley left last night’s game in the ninth inning after learning his wife was coming into childbirth.
According to Braves beat writer Dave O’Brien of The Athletic, he received high fives from his teammates as he departed for the hospital.
Riley won’t be gone long; a player can be on the paternity list for a maximum of three games. He’ll rejoin the team in Queens on Friday for the second game of the Braves’ four-game series with the New York Mets. The earliest he may return is Wednesday. Once a player is placed on the paternity list, he must sit out at least one game.
Austin Riley left the game during the ninth inning because his wife went into labor. The Braves had someone waiting for the call, and got word to him during the top of the 9th, when he came out and high-fived teammates on his way to the clubhouse and then the hospital.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) July 23, 2024
Whit Merrifield may be prepared when Riley returns. He is currently day-to-day following a finger injury sustained on Monday. The Braves would welcome the return of numerous seasoned infielders at the same time.
Through 86 games this season, the two-time all-star has batted.255 with 13 homers, 40 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 115.
Luke Williams, 27, has participated in 12 games with the Braves this season. He has reached base twice in 12 plate appearances, with one walk and one hit. He has also worked as a pinch runner late in games.
The Braves return to action Tuesday night, looking to rebound from a 4-1 setback to the Cincinnati Reds and end a three-game losing streak. The first pitch is slated for 7:20 p.m.
