The Atlanta Braves have experienced an unexpectedly disappointing season, and with just two months remaining, the Braves sit 17 games under .500 with a 51–68 record, on track to miss the postseason for the first time since 2017.
The offense has been disappointing all year long, averaging 4.2 runs per game and sitting in the bottom half of the league. Although the team has experienced underperformance from former All-Stars Marcell Ozuna and Ozzie Albies, they have been hurt recently by the unavailability of Austin Riley.
Atlanta’s third baseman is currently on the 10-day injured list due to a strained lower abdominal muscle. This is Riley’s second time on the injured list in two months with a similar injury. He suffered the injury during MLB’s Speedway Classic game against the Cincinnati Reds while making a diving play.
Ahead of Wednesday’s game against the New York Mets, Brian Snitker announced an update on Riley’s status via MLB.com’s Mark Bowman.
"Snit said he expects Acuña to be activated within the next couple days. Riley still felt some discomfort when he threw yesterday. So, it doesn’t seem likely he’ll be activated this week."
Snit said he expects Acuña to be activated within the next couple days. Riley still felt some discomfort when he threw yesterday. So, it doesn’t seem likely he’ll be activated this week.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) August 13, 2025
Although Atlanta’s season has been derailed, Riley finishing the season out strong would be a good sign for 2026. In 102 games for the Braves, the 28-year-old has posted a .260 batting average, .737 OPS, 16 home runs, and 54 RBIs.
The Braves locked up Riley long-term, signing him to a 10-year, $212 million contract extension in August of 2022 that will keep him at the hot corner through the 2032 season.
Riley has spent his entire seven-year career in Atlanta after his debut in 2019, and he played a crucial role in the team’s 2021 World Series run. Riley also collected back-to-back All-Star selections in 2022–23.
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