The season is becoming increasingly troubling for the Braves.
Atlanta has placed third baseman Austin Riley on the ten-day injured list with an issue in his right abdomen, adding him to a long list of players sidelined for various reasons.
Riley started the game against the Cardinals on Friday but was taken out after four innings as a precaution, according to Braves manager Brian Snicker. However, it seems the injury is more serious than initially thought.
He joins nearly the entire starting rotation on the injured list, which includes Spencer Schwenbach (right elbow), Chris Sale (fractured thoracic cage), AJ Smith Schober (right UCL injury), and Reynaldo Lopez (right shoulder inflammation).
This latest wave of injuries comes after they began the season with key players like Ace Spencer Strider and superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. both in good health.
The absence of Riley adds to what has turned into a rough season for the Braves.
As of Saturday, Atlanta finds itself 10 games back from the National League wildcard spot and 12.5 games behind the Phillies in the NL East.
The Braves, who have made it to the playoffs for seven consecutive seasons, had high hopes for a World Series run this year.
Before getting injured, Riley posted a decent batting average of .274 with 14 home runs across 408 plate appearances this season.
Despite their dismal record, general manager Alex Anthopoulos mentioned last month that the team does not engage in selling during trade deadlines, although he hinted at reconsidering if the situation worsens.
“A month from now, we could be in a pretty tough spot under 30 games,” Anthopoulos noted, adding that he might need to reassess the situation.
