{"id":104638,"date":"2025-07-23T18:52:35","date_gmt":"2025-07-23T22:52:35","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=104638"},"modified":"2025-07-23T18:52:35","modified_gmt":"2025-07-23T22:52:35","slug":"braves-austin-riley-eyes-friday-return","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2025\/07\/23\/braves-austin-riley-eyes-friday-return\/","title":{"rendered":"Braves Targeting Friday Return for Injured Third Baseman"},"content":{"rendered":"

Austin Riley<\/a> 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\u2019s right abdomen. This is the same issue that landed him on the 10-day IL back on July 12.<\/p>\n

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August 16, 2024; Anaheim, California, USA; Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (27) throws to first for the out against Los Angeles Angels shortstop Zach Neto (9) during the third inning at Angel Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n

Austin Riley Hoping to Return on Friday<\/h2>\n

Snitker Offers Insight Into Riley\u2019s Injury<\/h3>\n

Braves reporter Mark Bowman announced that Riley wouldn\u2019t be back in the lineup against the San Francisco Giants on Tuesday night. Manager Brian Snitker<\/a> confirmed the news, explaining that the club is erring on the side of caution.<\/p>\n

\u201cNot sore, but I think there\u2019s still a shadow of something in there, from talking to him,\u201d Snitker said. \u201cAnd we started thinking about it \u2014 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\u2019t have wanted to fire him up on short rest tomorrow.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

The team now hopes Riley can return for Friday\u2019s 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\u2019s recovery.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, it wasn\u2019t a setback,\u201d Snitker said. \u201cHe was feeling good, and he went through everything. More than likely, if we were opening round one of the playoffs today, he\u2019d be in the lineup.\u201d<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

Riley Looks to Spark Braves\u2019 Spirits<\/h3>\n
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With Riley targeting a Friday return, the Braves plan to keep Profar, Olson and Acu\u00f1a in the lineup\u2019s 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<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 23, 2025<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n