Braves fans receive good news on Austin Riley’s injury following win against the Cubs

Atlanta appears to have dodged the worst-case scenario in terms of Austin Riley’s injury.

When it was discovered that Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley would have to leave Sunday’s game against the Mets due to tightness in his side, Braves fans were naturally anxious. Even while the team’s announcement included the phrase “just a precaution,” Riley is not the type of player who is frequently pulled from games, and the fact that he couldn’t play through it was cause for alarm.

When Braves manager Brian Snitker disclosed before Monday’s game against the Cubs that Riley was still hurting and would undergo an MRI, the slight concern became significantly. Snitker did not hint at Riley’s likely IL stint, instead insisting on waiting until the club had a chance to evaluate the results and then revealing more after the game.

Well, the Braves’ game versus the Cubs ended with Atlanta winning 2-0. Snitker had positive news on Austin Riley, who merely has inflammation in his side and is day-to-day.

Braves News: Austin Riley day-to-day after injury scare, could play later this week

Given the circumstances, this is perhaps the best possible conclusion for the Braves. These kind of side injuries that last till the next day are frequently oblique injuries that take a long time to recover. As proof, just look at how long Sean Murphy has been out of the game.

Riley does not appear to need to be placed on the disabled list, and he might return to the field later this week, according to Snitker. Atlanta will remain cautious with their star third baseman, and there is always the possibility of a setback, but it appears that he and the team escaped unscathed with this specific ailment.

Meanwhile, it appears like freshly acquired Zack Short will see some playing time at third base with Riley out. Short contributed significantly to the Braves’ victory over the Cubs Friday night, driving in the team’s first run. As long as he can hold the fort for a few days, that will enough.