The Atlanta Braves announced on Monday that third baseman Austin Riley will be sidelined for approximately six to eight weeks due to a fractured right hand.
Riley sustained the injury when he was hit by a 97-mph fastball in the first inning of Sunday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels. An MRI confirmed the fracture after he left the game.
Riley joins a growing list of Braves players currently dealing with injuries, including Ronald Acuña Jr., Ozzie Albies, Spencer Strider, and A.J. Minter. Additionally, Michael Harris II has missed two months of the season.
The 27-year-old Riley has been performing well this season, batting .256/.322/.461 with 19 home runs, 26 doubles, and 56 RBIs in 110 games. Despite a slow start, he has significantly improved, with an .827 OPS, 17 home runs, and 47 RBIs since May 1.
In other team news, right-hander Reynaldo López was reinstated from the injured list following a rehab assignment, and pitcher Jimmy Hergert was optioned to Triple-A.
