The Atlanta Braves have been dealt yet another crushing blow. The team announced Monday that an MRI on Austin Riley’s right hand revealed a fracture. He is expected to miss approximately six to eight weeks. This news comes as a devastating blow for the Braves, who are already dealing with a plethora of injuries this season. It started early with Spencer Strider, continued with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ozzie Albies, and now Riley, who was diagnosed with a broken hand on Monday. The expectation is that he'll miss six to eight weeks, which leaves the Braves looking for help at third. 

The latest injury comes at a crucial time for the Braves, who are fighting for a playoff spot. Riley has been a key piece of their offense, hitting 19 homers and driving in 56 runs. They will have to find a way to replace his production if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. The Braves are clinging to the final wild-card spot in the NL. The team has lost a few key players to season-ending injuries, including Acuña, who suffered a knee injury, and Strider, who is out with an elbow injury. Albies is recovering from a fractured wrist. The Braves, who have suffered an onslaught of injuries, are hoping to catch a hot streak from Gurriel and/or Urshela down the stretch.

A Season of Injuries

The Braves have been plagued by injuries all season, and the loss of Riley is just the latest in a long line of setbacks. It is a trend that has started to weigh on their season. The team’s recent 6-4 trip, which began dismally in Colorado but yielded far more encouraging results with five wins in seven games at San Francisco and Anaheim, was overshadowed by the news of Riley’s injury.

The list of injuries is a long one, including:

• Spencer Strider: The preseason Cy Young Award favorite, Strider, underwent Tommy John surgery after just two starts.
• Ronald Acuña Jr.: The reigning MVP tore his ACL in May and is out for the season.
• Ozzie Albies: Albies has missed more than 30 games this season due to injuries and is out for the next two months with a fractured wrist.
• Sean Murphy: The catcher strained an oblique on Opening Day and missed two months.
• Michael Harris II: The center fielder returned from the 60-day IL last week after missing two months with a hamstring strain.
• A.J. Minter: The reliever is having hip surgery this week.
• Max Fried: The All-Star pitcher missed three weeks in July with a forearm injury.
• Reynaldo López: The reliever was sidelined for forearm tightness.
• Jorge Soler: The outfielder has been out for almost a week with a hamstring issue.

The Braves' Fight for a Playoff Spot

The Braves are in a tough spot, but they are not giving up. They know they have to find a way to overcome these injuries if they want to make a playoff run. The Braves are trying to navigate these injuries as they face the Phillies, the NL East leader, for three games starting on Tuesday.

The Braves will need to rely on their depth and their resilience if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs. They have shown that they can overcome adversity before, and they will need to do so again if they want to make a playoff push. 

A Crushing Blow for the Braves

Losing Riley is a big blow to the Braves. He is a key piece of their offense and a valuable defender. It’s a big blow to the Braves, but they will need to find a way to make do without him.

The Braves have been dealing with an endless stream of injuries, but the club remains optimistic about their chances. The team has a good team, and they know that they have to find a way to overcome these injuries if they want to make a deep run in the playoffs.

The Braves Need a Strong Finish

The Braves need a strong finish to the season if they want to make the playoffs. They have to make a playoff push with a month left to go. The team is facing a tough challenge, but they have the talent and the determination to overcome it. Hopefully, they can make a run for the playoffs and fight for a World Series championship.

The Braves will need to find a way to overcome this latest setback, but it’s a good team. They know they have to find a way to make a playoff run.