Given the sheer number of catastrophic injuries the Atlanta Braves dealt with in 2024, it is easy to forget just how serious a blow Austin Riley's injury issues were. Riley was not the best Braves player to get hurt last season as that honor goes to Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider, but Riley's bat in the middle of Atlanta's lineup is what makes the offense really go and Riley being limited to 110 games was a massive loss to the Braves' lineup depth.
Riley dealt with issues with his oblique early in the season before a HBP broke his hand and prematurely ended his season. There was a small sliver of hope that he would be able to return for the 2024 postseason, but those hopes were dashed and Atlanta was subsequently sent home early while looking like a shadow of their former selves by the end of the season.
Many fans are understandably anxious. Not only are they still smarting from what was a truly disappointing season last year, but Braves fans are concerned that all of these injured guys won't be able to come back and be the players they once were. Well, Riley spoke with the media and made sure to let everyone know that he is in a great spot heading into spring training.
Austin Riley talks about the unpredictability of injuries and the expectations of the next man up being ready. #Braves pic.twitter.com/7maAjJc7zu
— Miles Garrett (@MilesGarrettTV) February 18, 2025
Austin Riley appears to be full go heading into Braves 2025 spring training
In Riley's comments, he made it very clear that his hand feels great. While he had to take it easy at first while the bones were still healing, his recovery went at a pace where he was able to do his normal offseason ramp up routine. He also talked about the frustrating timing of his injury as he was just feeling like himself when it happened and that he desperately wanted to be on the field in the playoffs.
We'll know more about exactly where Riley stands once games spring training start this weekend, but this is all good news. It is great that Riley had a pretty normal offseason as it limits the possibility that his hand will be a lingering issue into the season and that he won't be off to a slow start to 2025. Hand injuries can still take time to fully recover from, but all signs point to Riley being on track.
With Acuna Jr. and Strider likely to not be ready for Opening Day, the Braves are going to need everything they can get from Riley. If guys like Riley, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Ozzie Albies, and/or new addition Jurickson Profar can get off to hot starts, the Braves should be in great shape. If not, the first month or so of the season could get pretty brutal in a hurry.