If you’re an Atlanta Braves fan, the last two years have felt like one long, cruel joke. Honestly. You’ve got this powerhouse roster, World Series expectations, and then—boom. One guy after another hits the dirt. But the situation with Austin Riley is particularly frustrating because it wasn't just one freak accident. It was a sequence of setbacks that basically derailed two straight seasons for the cornerstone of the Braves' infield.
So, what happened to Austin Riley?
Basically, he got hit with a double whammy of bad luck that started with a 97-mph fastball and ended on an operating table in Philadelphia.
The Fracture That Started the Slide
Everything changed on August 18, 2024. The Braves were playing the Angels, and Jack Kochanowicz let a heater get away from him. It drilled Riley right in the hand. Initially, everyone hoped it was just a nasty bruise. But the MRI told a different story: a fractured right hand.
He was supposed to be out six to eight weeks. That timeline would have put him back just in time for a postseason run. But bones don't always follow a schedule. A CT scan in late September showed the fracture wasn't healing fast enough. Just like that, his 2024 season was over. He finished with 19 homers and a .256 average—solid, but a far cry from the MVP-level production we'd come to expect.
The 2025 Nightmare: Core Injuries and Surgery
Most fans figured 2025 would be the "revenge tour." It wasn't. Instead of a comeback, Riley entered a cycle of "play, hurt, rehab, repeat."
In July 2025, he landed on the 10-day IL with what was called a right abdominal strain. He tried to push through it. He came back for a few games, but he looked off. He was striking out nearly 40% of the time. The power was gone. Then, during the MLB Speedway Classic against the Reds in early August, he aggravated the injury on a diving play at home plate.
💡 You might also like: Why the 1967 All Star Game Was the Weirdest Night in Baseball History
That was the breaking point.
The "strain" turned out to be a significant core muscle injury. By August 21, 2025, the team announced Riley was undergoing season-ending surgery performed by Dr. William Meyers. If that name sounds familiar, it’s because he’s the go-to specialist for sports hernias.
Why This Matters for the Braves' Future
Two years. Two season-ending injuries in August.
Missing Riley for the stretch run twice in a row is a massive blow to the Braves' ceiling. When he's healthy, he’s the protection Matt Olson and Ronald Acuña Jr. need in that lineup. Without him, the offense gets thin, fast. Over the last two seasons combined, he’s missed 112 games. For a guy who played nearly every game from 2021 to 2023, this is a total 180.
Some critics are already pointing at his 10-year, $212 million contract with a bit of side-eye. Is it a mistake? Probably not yet. He’s only 28. But the pressure is officially on for 2026.
The Breakdown of Riley's Recent Struggles:
- 2024 Stats: .257 AVG, 19 HR, 56 RBI (Season ended by hand fracture).
- 2025 Stats: .260 AVG, 16 HR, 54 RBI (Season ended by core surgery).
- The Trend: His walk rate dropped to 6%, and his strikeout rate spiked to 28.6% in 2025.
- The Replacement: Nacho Alvarez Jr. has been the primary "fill-in" guy, but let's be real—nobody replaces Young Thicc’s power.
What’s the Current Status?
As of early 2026, the news is actually decent. Riley is expected to be a full participant in Spring Training. The surgery in Philadelphia was successful, and he’s been around the clubhouse all winter.
✨ Don't miss: Mike Goodwin Racing: Why the Supercross Founder is Still in Prison
The Braves haven't sat idle, though. They claimed Ha-Seong Kim off waivers late in 2025 to bolster the infield depth. It shows the front office is finally acknowledging that they can't just "hope" for health anymore. They need insurance.
Actionable Insights for Fans and Fantasy Owners
If you're following Riley's recovery or looking at him for your 2026 roster, here is what you need to keep an eye on:
- Watch the Exit Velocity: In 2025, despite the injury, Riley's bat speed and hard-hit percentage stayed in the upper percentiles. This suggests the "talent" hasn't faded; he just couldn't stay on the field.
- Monitor Spring Training Reports: The core surgery is tricky. Watch how he rotates during his swing in February. If there’s any lingering "soreness" early on, it’s a red flag.
- The "Third Year" Rule: Usually, after two years of injury-riddled play, players either find a new training regimen or become "injury-prone" for good. 2026 is the fork in the road for Riley’s career trajectory.
The bottom line? Austin Riley is still one of the best third basemen in baseball when his body cooperates. The "what happened" is a mix of a 97-mph projectile and a stubborn core muscle. Now, all that matters is whether he can make it past August this time around.
To stay ahead of the curve, keep a close watch on the Braves' beat reporters during the first week of full-squad workouts in February for any updates on his agility drills.