Austin Riley to Miss Six to Eight Weeks After Getting Hit by Pitch
Atlanta Braves Third Baseman Suffers Torn Ligament
Recovery Timeline Expected to Keep Riley Out of Lineup for Rest of Regular Season and Postseason
Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley is expected to miss approximately six to eight weeks after undergoing an MRI that revealed a torn ligament in his knee, the team announced Monday.
Riley suffered the injury on Sunday against the Los Angeles Angels when he was struck by a pitch from reliever Jack Kochanowicz. He was removed from the game and underwent an MRI on Monday, which confirmed the extent of the injury.
The injury is a major blow to the Braves, who are already without several key players due to injuries, including Ronald Acuña Jr. and Mike Soroka. Riley has been one of the Braves' most consistent hitters this season, batting .303 with 29 home runs and 81 RBIs.
The Braves are currently in first place in the NL East, but they have been struggling lately, losing six of their last 10 games. The loss of Riley will further test the team's depth and could make it difficult for them to hold onto their division lead.
Riley is expected to undergo surgery on Tuesday to repair the torn ligament. The Braves are hopeful that he will be able to return to the lineup by the end of the regular season, but it is more likely that he will miss the rest of the regular season and the postseason.
The Braves have not yet announced who will replace Riley at third base, but Johan Camargo and Ehire Adrianza are the most likely candidates.
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