Austin Riley MRI Results Prove to be Another Brutal Blow to the Atlanta Braves

The Atlanta Braves got the worst possible news on Austin Riley today, after an MRI on his right hand showed a fracture, which could very well end his season.

Austin Riley today underwent an MRI that revealed a right hand fracture. He is expected to miss approximately six to eight weeks.

Additionally, the club today returned RHP Reynaldo López from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and optioned…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 19, 2024

The timeline is said to be "six to eight weeks", but seeing as there are less than six weeks to go in the regular season, unless the Braves make the postseason and get past the Wild Card Series, it's doubtful that he will return. The WC series starts in exactly six weeks.

Riley was drilled on the wrist by a pitch in the first inning of Atlanta's 3-1 victory against the Los Angeles Angels on Sunday.

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

He becomes yet another star player taken from the Atlanta lineup, with MVP candidate Ronald Acuña Jr. and Cy Young candidate Spencer Strider both out for the season, while Sean Murphy and Michael Harris II both missed two months to injury, and shortstop Ozzie Albies also suffered a left wrist fracture that will keep him out for several more weeks.

Riley was having a bit of a down year, hitting.256 with 19 homers and a .783 OPS.

The Braves currently hold a two-game lead for the final Wild Card spot in the NL.