Monday brought news of the worst-case scenario when it came to Austin Riley and his early exit from Sunday’s game due to being hit on the hand by a fastball. Unfortunately, that occurrence resulted in a hand fracture for Riley, who now is expected to be out for 6-8 weeks. This likely ends his regular season, though if the Braves were to make and find some success in the playoffs, Riley could logically make a return at some point.
Without a doubt, the loss of Riley is devastating. Since June 14th, he was among the top six in the National League in wOBA, wRC+, and OPS. There is no way to replace what he provided, especially with how he helped the offense improve in the second half of the season.
However, the Braves must move forward. If there is a silver lining, Reynaldo Lopez is returning from the injured list to take the mound on Tuesday in the first game of the series against the Phillies. This is a big series for the Braves, and with their focus remaining on the playoffs, Atlanta has to make sure they are fully focused on putting together some wins.
Braves News
Jimmy Herget was sent to Gwinnett to make room for Lopez.
Drake Baldwin went deep again on Sunday as he continues to put together an impressive campaign in Gwinnett.
Justin Toscano of the AJC details how the Braves road to having the successful season they want is now even tougher.
David Obrien offers similar analysis, looking at how the Braves simply cannot get a break from significant injuries.
Mark Bowman looks at the Braves’ chances the rest of the season without Riley, a logical but now very challenging task for the rest of the season.
In an exciting development here at Battery Power, Demetrius Bell is announced as the site’s new leader as Kris Willis moves on to leading the entire SB Nation Baseball Division. In the case of both Demetrius and Kris, both are more than deserving of their tremendous new opportunities.
MLB News
Francisco Alvarez hit a walk-off home run to help the Mets beat the Orioles on Monday, as New York is now 1 1/2 games behind the Braves in the standings.
Giants reliever Randy Rodriguez will be shut down for the next two weeks with a flexor strain.
Freddie Freeman will play through a hairline fracture in his finger for the Dodgers.
Jacob deGrom will begin a rehab assignment for the Rangers.
Ketel Marte of the Diamondbacks landed on the injured list with an ankle injury.
Connor Norby is being promoted to the majors by the Marlins. Norby was acquired at the Trade Deadline in the trade that sent Trevor Rogers to the Orioles.
