While most of the attention from Atlanta Braves fans has been on what is truly a make or break series against the Mets, there has been lingering hope that reinforcements could be coming from the IL. Ozzie Albies came off the injured list to mixed results thus far, but one question that has loomed large has regarded Austin Riley and whether or not he could return this season from his hand injury at all.
Riley was placed on the injured list in August after breaking his hand on a HBP and at the time, it felt like the straw that broke the Braves' back. Atlanta's lineup had already been decimated by injuries this season and losing their All-Star third baseman was a loss they could ill afford. However, there was a world where Riley could heal enough to at least contribute in the postseason based on early recovery timelines.
Those hopes were dashed on Tuesday when it was revealed that Austin Riley's 2024 season is over after a follow-up CT scan showed that his hand had not healed enough to allow him to return this season.
Austin Riley’s season is over. His CT scan showed there wasn’t enough healing for him to return this season.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) September 24, 2024
Austin Riley's season is officially over as Braves try to salvage theirs against the Mets
There was no hope that Riley would return in the regular season as the scans this week were to be the first step to a possible ramping up of baseball activities. However, the range of recovery timelines for his type of fracture allowed for the possibility that he could get added to the Braves postseason roster. Unfortunately, the team's medical staff took a look at his scans and just didn't see enough healing to justify the risk.
While not completely unexpected, this is just another punch in the gut for Braves fans. The team can take solace in the fact that a strong series against the Mets would go a long way towards getting back to the postseason yet again. However, removing all hope that Riley could return in the postseason (again, if the Braves get there) raises even more questions as to whether or not Atlanta has enough personnel to sustain a deep playoff run.
As Snitker said before Tuesday night's game, the playoffs start for the Braves right now. Unfortunately, there is little help coming the rest of the way to help power them to where they want to go in 2024.