MRI Reveals Fracture in Braves' Third Baseman's Hand
The Atlanta Braves are hit with yet another critical blow to their lineup. The team's third baseman underwent an MRI that revealed a fracture in his right hand. This development follows a painful incident where he was struck by a pitch from Los Angeles Angels' reliever, Jack Kochanowicz. The estimated recovery time stands at six to eight weeks, placing significant strain on the Braves' lineup as they push towards the postseason.
Status of Recovery
The third baseman's return could potentially come during the final week of the regular season, coinciding with a crucial three-game home series against the New York Mets scheduled to begin on September 24. Should his recovery stretch to the full eight weeks, he risks missing the remainder of the regular season and possibly the initial rounds of the postseason.
Riley's injury compounds the Braves' existing challenges. The team has already been navigating the loss of their ace, Spencer Strider, who made only two starts before a UCL tear ended his season. Furthermore, All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies has been out for nearly a month with a wrist fracture, and the Braves' offensive sparkplug, Ronald Acuña Jr., has been sidelined since early June due to a season-ending ACL tear.
Performance Metrics and Improvements
Before the injury, the third baseman had been a key contributor to the Braves' offensive efforts. Over 110 games, he boasted a .256/.322/.461 slash line with 19 home runs and 26 doubles. Notably, since May 2024, he had elevated his performance metrics to .275/.339/.531, showcasing significant improvement compared to his earlier numbers heading into June, which stood at .228/.295/.353.
In the Absence of Riley
With the third baseman now on the injured list, Luke Williams is anticipated to step in as the primary third baseman. While Williams takes over the hot corner, the Braves will rely on collective resilience as they battle for a wild-card spot. Despite the injuries, the team still holds a two-game lead over the New York Mets for the final National League wild-card position, with the San Francisco Giants trailing by four games and the St. Louis Cardinals by five games.
Chasing the Phillies
The Braves are also in a race to close a seven-game gap on the first-place Philadelphia Phillies in the NL East. The Braves have a storied history of success in the division, having clinched the NL East title for six consecutive seasons. This season, maintaining that dominance will require overcoming significant adversity.
Pitching Challenges
The Braves' pitching staff has also faced its share of challenges. Although Max Fried recently returned from forearm neuritis, he continues to struggle to regain his form. This adds to the pressure on a bullpen already stretched thin by injuries.
Overall, the Braves' path to the postseason has been fraught with obstacles. With several key players injured and an increasingly competitive race, they will need continuing efforts from both seasoned veterans and emerging stars. The coming weeks will be crucial as they navigate the demands of a tight pennant race while striving to get their key players back on the diamond.