Braves’ Austin Riley Out Until 2026 After Abdominal Surgery

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The Atlanta Braves just got hit with some brutal news. Star third baseman Austin Riley will miss the rest of the 2024 season and all of 2025.

He underwent major abdominal surgery to repair a core muscle injury. Now the team is left without one of its most reliable, productive players.

This setback forces Atlanta to rethink its lineup and long-term roster strategy for the next two years.

A Franchise Cornerstone Sidelined

For years, Austin Riley has anchored the Braves’ success. He brings power at the plate and steady defense at third base.

At just 27, Riley was stepping into his prime. That makes this injury sting even more for fans and the front office.

The Timeline to Return

The Braves confirmed Riley faces a long recovery. He’ll miss all of 2024 and 2025, with the earliest possible return in 2026.

The team said the surgery went well and expects a full recovery, but the rehab process will be lengthy. That really shows how serious this injury is.

The Nature of the Injury

Core muscle injuries—sometimes called sports hernias—are notoriously tricky for athletes. Players like Riley, who rely on rotational strength and quick reflexes, get hit especially hard.

Weeks of abdominal discomfort led doctors to recommend surgery. Coming back from this kind of injury takes not just physical healing, but rebuilding strength and confidence too.

Impact on the Braves’ Lineup

Without Riley, the Braves lose more than a big bat. His spot in the middle of the order balanced a lineup built on power and clutch hitting.

Defensively, his glove at third base gave the infield much-needed stability. That’s not easy to replace.

• Offensive Production: Riley drove in runs and hit for both power and average. That’s been huge for Atlanta’s offense.
• Defensive Consistency: He’s a dependable fielder with sharp instincts. His glove saved runs and kept innings alive.
• Clubhouse Leadership: At 27, Riley was becoming a team leader, not just with his play but his presence.

The Road Ahead for Atlanta

Braves management hasn’t settled on a replacement at third base. Internal candidates might get the first shot, but the front office will likely look at trades and free agents too.

Replacing Riley isn’t just about filling a position—it’s about finding someone who can impact the game all around.

Postseason and Beyond

Losing Riley isn’t just a blip in the Braves’ season—it could change everything. Their postseason hopes for 2024 just got a lot tougher.

Now Atlanta has to balance trying to win now with the reality they’ll be without a core player again in 2025. That could shape off-season moves, prospect call-ups, and even payroll decisions for next year.

Long-Term Perspective

The short-term outlook looks rough, but Braves fans can at least breathe a little easier knowing the operation went well. Riley’s doctors say he should make a full recovery.

Still, two years away from the game is no small thing. When he comes back in 2026, Atlanta’s going to have to ease him in and hope he can find that All-Star spark again.

Losing a star in baseball always feels like a punch to the gut. But honestly, if there’s one thing this sport teaches, it’s that teams find ways to bounce back—sometimes with a little luck and sometimes with gutsy calls from the front office.

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Here is the source article for this story: Braves 3B Austin Riley out till 2026 after undergoing season-ending abdominal surgery