When the Atlanta Braves lost Austin Riley to the injured list with his second abdominal injury of 2025, it certainly raised some questions. These sorts of injuries happening back-to-back like Riley's did is rarely coincidental and it is fair to wonder if the Braves rushed Riley back too quickly and it bit everyone involved and potentially cost Riley the rest of his season.
Unlike his first injury, the Braves have been very cautious this go-around with Riley and there has been little to no word as to when he could return as he continued to experience discomfort in his abdomen.
After it was revealed before Tuesday's matchup against the White Sox that Riley again felt soreness during his workout, it is fair to start wondering if Riley is coming back in 2025 at all.
#Braves 3B Austin Riley felt lingering soreness from his abdominal strain when he worked out today. He’ll be checked out again by a doctor Wednesday, but it doesn’t look like he’ll return soon from IL.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 19, 2025
Austin Riley isn't returning to the Braves from the IL anytime soon and returning this season at all is not certain
While it may seem like doomsaying to say that Riley may not return this season, it honestly is not because this is becoming a simple math problem now. There are roughly six weeks left in the season and Riley is still in pain. Even if we ignore the possibility that doctors could find a more serious problem when he is examined on Wednesday, there is next to no chance that he is going to attempt to get back under way in the next week. The longer he is out, the more time he will need to ramp back up and there just isn't much time left in the season period.
If we are being honest with ourselves, it may be best to just pull the plug on Riley's season. He is just too important to jeopardize his long-term health if Atlanta hasn't already and with nothing to play for but pride this season, letting him rest seems to be the smart thing to do.
It is an unfortunate update during what has been a decent run of play from the Braves lately. Every time things start to go Atlanta's way this season, something pops up to ruin the fun. Unfortunately, the next update we get on Riley's status may be that we aren't going to see him on the field again until next spring.