Atlanta Braves Bracing for Season-Ending Austin Riley News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Aug 20, 2025 6:48 PM ET

Atlanta Braves superstar third baseman Austin Riley has had another solid offensive season at the plate derailed by a lower abdominal strain that has led to two stints on the injured list.

The 28-year-old has been sidelined since early August after leaving a game against the Cincinnati Reds. Prior to the injury, Riley had posted a .260 batting average, .309 on-base percentage, .737 OPS, 16 home runs, and 54 RBIs at the heart of Atlanta’s lineup.

Unfortunately, his offensive contributions could not save the Braves’ disappointing season, as the team currently sits with a 57–69 record and is far out of playoff contention.

Austin Riley Injury Update Surfaces on Wednesday

As Riley continued to ramp up baseball activities, he felt pain while running the bases for multiple days, leading to a delay in his return.

On Wednesday, news surfaced via Braves beat reporter Grant McAuley that Riley had made his way to Philadelphia to see a specialist regarding his abdominal issue, with concern that he may be dealing with a sports hernia—which would effectively end his season.

"#Braves 3B Austin Riley is in Philadelphia seeing a specialist about his lower abdominal issue. There is some concern he is dealing with a sports hernia, which could end his season."

#Braves 3B Austin Riley is in Philadelphia seeing a specialist about his lower abdominal issue. There is some concern he is dealing with a sports hernia, which could end his season.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) August 20, 2025

Riley’s Injury Could End Season

Although Atlanta may not be playing for much, sitting 12 games under .500 entering Wednesday, it would be a massive blow if Riley were forced to miss the remainder of the season.

Riley has been a vocal clubhouse leader and has built an impressive resume during his seven-year career, collecting two All-Star selections, two Silver Slugger Awards, and finishing top 10 in NL MVP voting in three consecutive seasons from 2021–23.

Riley’s health will figure to be one of the most important factors in the team’s success moving forward—for this season and beyond.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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