Braves' Austin Riley out 6-8 weeks after HBP vs. Angels with broken hand | News, results, highlights, stats and rumors

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley is expected to be out for approximately “six to eight weeks” after undergoing a magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scan on Monday that revealed a fracture of his right hand.

He is the latest member of the Braves to deal with a lengthy injury layoff, along with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider. Ozzie Albies is also out after suffering a Fracture of the left wrist on July 21st.

The team brought back former outfielder Jorge Soler in a deal with the San Francisco Giants before the July 30 trade deadline, although he missed four consecutive games due to a left thigh strain.

The Braves have remained in the postseason despite their injury streak in 2024 and are 66-58. They currently hold a two-game lead over the New York Mets for the National League's final wild-card spot.

Although Riley was not selected as an All-Star in 2024 after winning the award in each of the previous two seasons, he is still a crucial part of Atlanta's lineup and his impact will be difficult to replace.

In 110 games, he had 19 home runs and 56 RBIs for an OPS of .783. He also recorded 26 doubles, ranking 16th among all NL players.

In his absence, the Braves had several players to call on. They replaced Riley with Luke Williams on Sunday, even though the 28-year-old has just two hits in 17 at-bats in 2024.

Atlanta could also sign rookie Nacho Alvarez Jr. as a third baseman, as he was added to the roster on July 21. He is the team's 8th-ranked rookie in the latest farm system rankings by Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report.

While either player could fill that role, it will be difficult for them to replicate Riley's offensive performance as the Braves continue their push into the postseason.