Austin Riley’s season has come to an abrupt end for the second consecutive year.
The 28-year-old was set to make a comeback during spring training after having surgery for a core injury in Philadelphia on Thursday, as announced by the Braves.
This procedure on his hand was aimed at addressing a sports hernia and it will require substantial recovery and rehabilitation time.
Earlier in July, Riley spent time on the injured list before the Braves placed him there again after suffering pain in his abdomen following a game against the Cardinals on July 11.
He managed to return and play against the Reds on August 2 but was only active for nine games before injuring his lower abdominal area again.
Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed the team’s cautious approach regarding Riley’s return shortly before his recovery on July 25. “I think taking it slow is just the smarter move,” Snitker shared with reporters. “Hopefully on Friday he’ll feel ready to go.”
Before his surgery, Riley had a batting line of .260/.309/.428, hitting 16 home runs and driving in 54 RBIs over the course of 102 games this season.
This injury has struck hard, with six players currently on the 60-day injured list for the Braves.
Last season, Riley ended up having surgery on his right hand in late September after being struck by a ball earlier in the year.
Riley faced a daunting situation when he got hit by a pitch from Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowitz on August 18, 2024. Although initial estimates for recovery were six to eight weeks, he ended up needing surgery.
A two-time All-Star, Riley was selected by the Braves as the 41st pick in the 2015 MLB Draft and has spent seven seasons in the major leagues.
In addition to his All-Star nods in 2022 and 2023, he was also honored with Silver Slugger Awards in both 2021 and 2023.
