The Braves are seeking an NL wild-card place with six games to play.
If the Atlanta Braves make the playoffs, Austin Riley will not be available for Brian Snitker’s club.
The Braves’ manager said Tuesday that CT scans revealed Riley’s broken hand is “not where the doctors wanted it to be” and that his season is over, even if the team makes it to the World Series.
Riley, 27, has been sidelined since mid-August, when he was struck in the right hand by a pitch during a game against the Los Angeles Angels. It was originally predicted that he would be gone for six to eight weeks, giving him enough time to return late in the regular season or early in the playoffs.
Riley is now anticipated to be totally healthy for spring training in 2025.
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
Two days after Riley left the lineup, the Braves signed veteran third baseman Gio Urshela. Urshela has batted in 30 games thus far.270 with three home runs and thirteen RBI.
Riley, a two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger Award winner, hit.256 with a.783 OPS this season, with 26 doubles, 19 home runs, and 56 RBI in 110 games.
The Braves conclude the regular season with a six-game homestand beginning Tuesday. They will play three games against the New York Mets, followed by three against the Kansas City Royals. As of Tuesday, they were 1.5 games out of the NL wild card slot.
