Next Man Up: Braves’ Options to Replace Austin Riley at Third Base.
internal possibilities are available to the Atlanta Braves to replace Austin Riley in the event that he is placed on the injured list?
When it comes to injuries, the Atlanta Braves never seem to get a break. Just Marcell Ozuna and Matt Olson have participated in every game this season among position players alone. While Orlando Arcia missed a week due to an abscessed tooth, Jarred Kelenic missed two games due to wrist discomfort, and Sean Murphy missed two months due to an oblique issue, almost everyone else missed some time due to minor or major injuries. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL in May and will miss the remainder of the season.
Additionally, the injuries have been sudden. Austin Riley lost several weeks due to an intercostal strain at the start of the season, while Sean Murphy missed two months. Ronald Acuña Jr. suffered an ACL tear just before they returned, ending his season. Soon after, Michael Harris II was lost due to a hamstring injury, while Ozzie Albies hurt his wrist just before he got back. Austin Riley departed last night’s game due to a wrist injury, while Jorge Soler picked up a slight hamstring strain shortly after Harris returned.
Riley’s injury is the latest wrench in Atlanta’s roster plans. The third baseman got an x-ray at Angel Stadium and a CT scan at a local facility, but the results were “inconclusive” and he’s set to get an MRI from Braves doctors today.
