The Atlanta Braves are facing a significant setback as All-Star third baseman Austin Riley has undergone season-ending core injury surgery, effectively ending his 2025 campaign. The procedure, performed by renowned specialist Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia, addresses a recurring abdominal issue that sidelined Riley twice this season. The Braves expect Riley to make a full recovery and return in time for Spring Training 2026.
Riley, 28, experienced lower abdominal discomfort for the first time in mid-July, which led to his initial placement on the injured list. After a brief return to the lineup on July 25, the injury flared up again during an intense play at the MLB Speedway Classic where he stretched to tag out Elly De La Cruz at home plate. That play essentially marked the end of his season, with the Braves announcing the surgery shortly thereafter.
The timing of Riley’s surgery compounds the difficulties for a Braves team currently struggling with injuries and inconsistent performance. Sitting at 58-69 and fourth in the NL East, Atlanta has faced a challenging year defined by the absence of key players, including Riley. His loss comes after an already disappointing 2024 season cut short by a fractured right hand from a hit-by-pitch incident, raising concerns about durability despite his earlier years of durability and high-level production.
Between 2021 and 2023, Riley was a paragon of durability and offensive prowess, appearing in at least 159 games annually and compiling a .286/.354/.525 slash line with a 136 wRC+ and 16.1 fWAR, ranking ninth in MLB over that stretch. However, his recent seasons have shown signs of decline, with his batting line dipping to .260/.309/.428 in 2025 over 102 games, including 16 home runs and 54 RBIs. Though still productive, these numbers reflect a player struggling to fully regain his prior form.
Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed disappointment but remains hopeful about Riley’s recovery. "Austin’s been a warrior for us," Snitker said. "He’s had some tough luck with injuries for the last couple years, but we expect him to come back healthy and ready to contribute next spring."
In the meantime, the Braves have turned to rookie Nacho Alvarez Jr. to fill the void at third base. Alvarez has impressed with solid defensive work and a respectable .681 OPS in 91 plate appearances this season. While Alvarez has shown promise, Snitker indicated the team views him more as a utility option down the line rather than a long-term replacement.
The Braves have also been active in shuffling their roster to adapt to the losses. They claimed right-handed pitcher Cal Quantrill off waivers to bolster their pitching depth, while optioning Dane Dunning and Connor Seabold to Triple-A. Outfielder Jake Fraley was added to the roster, and left-hander Dylan Dodd recalled to strengthen the bullpen amid the injuries.
Long-term, Riley remains a cornerstone of Atlanta’s future, having signed a lucrative ten-year, $212 million contract that extends through 2033. The hope is that addressing his core injury promptly will allow him to return to peak form and lead the Braves’ lineup for years to come.
For now, the Braves face the remainder of the 2025 season without one of their primary offensive and defensive contributors. Remaining competitive in a tough NL East will depend on depth stepping up, players staying healthy, and the return of Riley in full strength next spring. As Snitker put it, “We’ve got to rally around each other and fight through this because the season isn’t over yet.”
Austin Riley’s injury and the ensuing roster adjustments mark a critical juncture for a Braves team aiming to regain its standing. The challenges are daunting, but a healthy Riley in 2026 could be the catalyst for a renewed push towards contention.
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