Austin Riley made an incredible play to tag out speedster Elly De La Cruz during a rundown at the Speedway Classic. Unfortunately, that same incredible play has landed Riley on the 10-day injured list. The Braves announced this morning that Riley was headed back to the IL with a strained lower abdominal muscle. It's the same injury that landed him on the IL back in early July.
In his spot, Atlanta has recalled top infield prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. Additionally, the Braves' recalled infielder Jonathan Ornelas and optioned outfielder Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A Gwinnett. Ornelas was acquired as middle infield depth earlier this season, and figures to provide just that at the Major League level while Riley recovers.
The #Braves today recalled INF Nacho Alvarez Jr. to Atlanta and placed INF Austin Riley on the 10-day injured list with a strained lower abdominal muscle. Additionally, the club recalled INF Jonathan Ornelas to Atlanta after optioning OF Jarred Kelenic to Triple-A Gwinnett…
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) August 4, 2025
Braves place Austin Riley on 10-day IL, recall Nacho Alvarez Jr.
Nacho appeared in just eight games during his first stint in Atlanta this season, but now he figures to get an extended look as Atlanta will be very cautious with Riley in a lost season. The consensus on Nacho is that he possesses a decent hit tool, but he really needs to prove he can handle Major League fastballs in order to stick on a big league roster.
With just 52 games remaining, there is every reason to believe Riley's 2025 season could be finished. The club has yet to announce any timeline for his return, but given the Braves' current standing and the need to evaluate Nacho Alvarez Jr. this feels like the likely outcome. Just like in 2024, Riley will probably finish the season on the IL. If that's the case, both fans and Austin Riley are hopeful than a better season than the .737 OPS and 104 wRC+ he has posted this season.
Meanwhile, the final two months for the Braves will likely be evaluating a few prospects like Hurston Waldrep, Nacho Alvarez Jr., and more. Let's hope Nacho and others can impress the Braves enough to make all of us feel better going into the 2026 season.