Braves Announce Austin Riley News After Leaving Cardinals Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 11:28 PM ET

Third baseman Austin Riley is in his seventh season with the Atlanta Braves after being selected in the first round of the 2015 MLB Draft.

The 28-year-old made his major-league debut in left field during 2019—third base was occupied by veteran Josh Donaldson—though he has primarily played third base since.

Riley struggled through his first two seasons, but he broke through in 2021 with an excellent campaign that earned him a Silver Slugger Award and a seventh-place National League MVP finish. Over the next two seasons, he cemented his status as one of the game’s top third basemen, earning two All-Star selections and two more top-10 MVP finishes.

In 2025, although the Braves have endured a challenging season decimated by injuries, Riley has remained a reliable staple in the lineup, delivering steady offensive production.

Unfortunately, during Friday’s game against the St. Louis Cardinals, the team announced via X that he was removed due to lower abdominal tightness.

3B Austin Riley was removed from tonight’s game due to lower abdominal tightness.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 12, 2025

In 92 games this season, Riley is batting .272 with a .763 OPS, belting 14 home runs and driving in 47 runs.

If Riley lands on the injured list, it could be the nail in the coffin for Atlanta’s season—they sit at 40-52 entering Friday, ten games back of the third wild-card spot. Riley has played every game for Atlanta this year and has been one of the few offensive players to shine as All-Star teammates Ozzie Albies and Marcell Ozuna have struggled.

With their playoff hopes fading, Riley’s health will be crucial as the Braves navigate the upcoming second half of the season.

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

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