Braves’ Austin Riley Out for Season After Core Surgery
For the second consecutive year, Atlanta Braves star Austin Riley’s season has ended prematurely. The team announced that the third baseman underwent core muscle surgery in Philadelphia performed by Dr. William Meyers and will miss the remainder of the 2025 season. He is expected to be ready for spring training in 2026.
Just a week ago, Riley seemed close to returning from the abdominal injury that had sidelined him, but lingering issues forced the decision for surgery. His absence leaves the Braves once again relying on their depth as they push through the final stretch of the season.
Riley’s 2025 campaign was underwhelming. After missing time in 2024 with a broken wrist, he struggled to regain his form, finishing with a .260/.309/.428 slash line and a wRC+ of 103—slightly above league average. Despite signs of bad luck in his underlying numbers, his presence in the lineup will be sorely missed.
Questions may arise about how Atlanta managed his injury, as Riley missed part of July with abdominal issues before returning, perhaps too soon. The hope is that this procedure resolves the problem long-term.
In Riley’s absence, 22-year-old Nacho Alvarez will get another chance at third base. After a poor July showing (.200/.250/.233, 36 wRC+), Alvarez has improved in August (.275/.373/.353, 111 wRC+), showing better plate discipline and steady defense. While he has yet to showcase much power, this stretch could help determine his future role with the team.
For the Braves, this setback may ultimately prove beneficial if it means a fully healthy Riley in 2026 and valuable development time for Alvarez.
Beyond the immediate implications, Riley’s injury also impacts Atlanta’s long-term outlook. As one of the franchise’s cornerstone players, his absence underscores the importance of roster flexibility and minor league development. Players like Vaughn Grissom, who has split time between the infield and outfield in Triple-A, may see an increased role as the Braves try to fill the offensive gap.
The timing of the injury is especially challenging, with Atlanta locked in a tight divisional race. Losing a proven power bat and dependable defender at third base puts additional pressure on veterans like Matt Olson and Ozzie Albies to carry the offense. Manager Brian Snitker will likely employ a mix-and-match approach at third base, but consistency could be hard to come by down the stretch.
For Riley personally, this marks another frustrating chapter in what had been shaping up to be a promising career. When healthy, he has proven to be one of the league’s premier sluggers, posting multiple 30+ home run seasons and playing a pivotal role in Atlanta’s 2021 World Series run. The Braves and their fans will hope that this surgery marks the end of his injury woes and sets the stage for a bounce-back 2026.
If Alvarez or another young player can seize this opportunity, Atlanta could emerge from this setback with not just a healed Riley but also a more versatile roster heading into the future.
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