Austin Riley was eligible to return from the injured list on Tuesday, but the Atlanta Braves will wait at least a few more days before activating their star third baseman. The decision stems from some lingering discomfort in Riley’s right abdomen. This is the same issue that landed him on the 10-day IL back on July 12.
Austin Riley Hoping to Return on Friday
Snitker Offers Insight Into Riley’s Injury
Braves reporter Mark Bowman announced that Riley wouldn’t be back in the lineup against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. Manager Brian Snitker confirmed the news, explaining that the club is erring on the side of caution.
“Not sore, but I think there’s still a shadow of something in there, from talking to him,” Snitker said. “And we started thinking about it — using the next two days with the off day is probably the smart thing. Because more than likely, if we had played today, we wouldn’t have wanted to fire him up on short rest tomorrow.”
The team now hopes Riley can return for Friday’s series opener against the Texas Rangers. Still, this depends on how he feels coming out of the off day. Snitker shut down speculation of a setback in Riley’s recovery.
“No, it wasn’t a setback,” Snitker said. “He was feeling good, and he went through everything. More than likely, if we were opening round one of the playoffs today, he’d be in the lineup.”
Riley Looks to Spark Braves’ Spirits
With Riley targeting a Friday return, the Braves plan to keep Profar, Olson and Acuña in the lineup’s top three spots. As for Nacho, his defense at third has given Snitker confidence he could be a valuable utility player at some point https://t.co/oPvtyDxGRJ
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 23, 2025
Unfortunately for Atlanta, the postseason is a fading possibility. The Braves sit 13 1/2 games back in the NL East and have battled a season riddled with injuries, particularly to their starting rotation. Riley has been one of the few consistent contributors in the lineup.
The 28-year-old is slashing .274/.324/.441 on the year, leading the team in batting average and hits (104). Now in the third season of a 10-year, $212 million extension signed in August 2022, Austin Riley’s return will bring a much-needed spark to a depleted Braves roster looking to save its season.
Main Photo Credit: Benny Sieu-Imagn Images
