Braves’ Austin Riley Out Until 2026 After Season-Ending Abdominal Surgery

The Atlanta Braves just took a gut punch. Star third baseman Austin Riley is out for the rest of the 2025 season after having core injury surgery in Philadelphia.

He’s been a cornerstone of the Braves’ lineup for years. Now, with Riley not returning until spring training in 2026, Atlanta has to figure out how to finish this season without one of its most reliable bats.

Austin Riley’s Injury Timeline

This season, Riley couldn’t shake a nagging lower abdominal strain. The injury sent him to the injured list twice—first for two weeks, then again later in the year.

He pushed to get back on the field, returning in late July. Riley’s grit never really came into question, but in the end, his body just couldn’t hold up.

The Play That Ended His Season

Everything changed on August 4. The Braves faced the Cincinnati Reds in the MLB Speedway Classic.

During a tense play at the plate, Riley stretched to tag out Elly De La Cruz. The play worked, but the strain on Riley’s core forced him out of the game right away.

The game itself had already been delayed a day by rain. Fans still packed the stands, and Atlanta won 4-2, but it wound up being Riley’s last appearance of 2025.

Offensive Impact in 2025

Riley suited up for 102 games this year and put up these numbers:

• Batting Average: .260
• Hits: 108
• Runs Scored: 54
• Home Runs: 16

Maybe those stats aren’t his career best, but he still drove in runs and hit for power. Fans love the guy, and he’s become a real leader in the clubhouse.

Braves’ Season Outlook Without Riley

The Braves sit at 58-69, fourth in the NL East. It’s been a rough year for a team that’s used to winning the division.

Oddly enough, they’ve started to heat up, winning eight of their last 10. Still, losing Riley means the rest of the lineup has to pick up the slack, especially at third base.

Upcoming Series Against the Mets

No rest for the weary—Atlanta’s got the New York Mets up next in a weekend series. These games matter for the standings, but also for keeping whatever momentum they’ve found.

It’s not going to get easier without Riley in the mix. The pressure’s on.

Next Man Up Mentality

Manager Brian Snitker has to trust his bench now. He’ll probably give more chances to young guys and see who rises to the occasion.

Veterans and up-and-comers both need to deliver if Atlanta’s going to stay in the fight. Maybe this is the moment for a few prospects or utility players to make a name for themselves at the big-league level.

The Long View: Riley’s Recovery and the 2026 Season

The Braves confirmed Riley’s surgery went well. They expect him to be ready for spring training 2026.

Losing Riley stings, no doubt. But honestly, making sure he’s healthy for the long haul just matters more for Atlanta’s future.

When he comes back, the Braves could see a spark in their offense again. He might even bring some calm back to their infield defense, which—let’s be honest—has looked a little shaky at times without him.

Right now, Atlanta’s just trying to get through the last weeks of 2025 with some dignity. The NL East isn’t exactly forgiving, so they’ve got to dig deep, stay scrappy, and hope for some clutch hitting.

Fans want something to cheer for, and the clubhouse needs a reason to believe. Here’s hoping they find it.

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