The Atlanta Braves just took a tough hit late in the season. Star third baseman Austin Riley underwent season-ending surgery for a core muscle injury, often called a sports hernia.
The operation should give him a shot to return for spring training. Still, losing Riley adds to what’s already been a messy, injury-filled year for the two-time All-Star.
The Braves didn’t waste any time shuffling the roster. They’ve made several moves to stay in the postseason race, scrambling to patch the holes.
Austin Riley’s Injury and Recovery Outlook
Riley had his surgery in Philadelphia. Dr. William Meyers, who’s basically the go-to guy for core muscle repairs in pro athletes, performed the procedure.
Most players need about six weeks to bounce back from this kind of surgery. That schedule gives Riley plenty of time to heal and ramp up before 2025 spring training rolls around.
Back-to-Back Injury-Hampered Seasons
At 27, Riley just finished his second straight year battling injuries. He played only 102 games, hitting .260 with 16 home runs, 54 RBIs, and a .737 OPS.
His numbers dipped compared to his usual output. Last year, he managed a .256 average, 19 homers, and a .783 OPS in 110 games.
It’s a pretty stark contrast to his first three full seasons through 2023. Back then, Riley looked like one of MLB’s best middle-of-the-order bats, averaging 36 homers and 99 RBIs with a 135 OPS+.
Braves Bolster Rotation with Cal Quantrill
Atlanta moved fast to address their pitching depth. They claimed right-hander Cal Quantrill off waivers from the Miami Marlins and threw him straight into the starting rotation.
Quantrill is set to make his Braves debut on Saturday. It’ll be a divisional showdown with the New York Mets.
Assessing Quantrill’s 2024 Season
Quantrill’s numbers with Miami weren’t great. He went 4-10 with a 5.50 ERA over 24 starts.
Still, the Braves seem to think he’ll benefit from a new environment and better defense behind him. With their rotation already packed with talent, Quantrill could stabilize things now and offer depth for next season.
Further Roster Changes Amid Injury Challenges
The Braves’ front office has stayed busy. Veteran infielder Luke Williams landed on the 10-day injured list with a strained oblique, which only piles on the infield problems.
To help out, they activated outfielder Jake Fraley after claiming him from the Cincinnati Reds. He gives manager Brian Snitker another left-handed bat to work with.
Shuffling the Bullpen
The bullpen’s been stretched thin lately. Atlanta sent relievers Dane Dunning and Connor Seabold down to Triple-A.
Lefty Dylan Dodd got the call to come up and provide some fresh innings. The Braves are clearly trying to manage roster fatigue as the regular season grinds on.
Looking Ahead for Atlanta
With Riley out, rookie Nacho Alvarez Jr. will keep holding down third base. He’s solid defensively, but let’s be honest—it’s going to be tough to replace Riley’s power.
The Braves will have to lean on the rest of the lineup. Guys like Ronald Acuña Jr., Matt Olson, and Ozzie Albies need to keep the offense rolling if Atlanta wants to stay in the hunt.
Potential Impact on Playoff Push
The Braves have long stood out as one of the National League’s best teams. Still, postseason dreams often come down to roster health and depth.
Losing Riley stings, no doubt about it. The recent flurry of moves shows that management isn’t just sitting back—they’re plugging holes and adjusting on the fly.
Quantrill might help steady the rotation. If the bullpen can handle the extra work, Atlanta’s got a real shot at a deep playoff run.
Everyone’s watching Riley’s recovery. But now, attention turns to how this shaken-up roster handles the pressure.
Baseball can be brutal—sometimes the difference between a parade and packing up early is barely there. Atlanta’s next few weeks will say a lot about how far they can really go in 2024.
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