Austin Riley's Stats, Metrics, Game Logs, Projections & Rankings

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (intercostal) is unlikely to play until Monday's series opener against the Washington Nationals. Riley is taking batting practice on Friday, and the Braves are just being extra cautious in keeping the right-handed-hitting slugger out for his 11th straight game. Manager Brian Snitker said he isn't surprised if Riley ends up missing two weeks, and if the team needed somebody to ride the bench, they would have already put him on the injured list. The 27-year-old suffered a left-intercostal strain on May 12 against the New York Mets and hasn't played since, although it still sounds like he won't go on the IL. Until Riley returns, Zack Short should continue to play the hot corner in Atlanta, although new signee Joey Wendle could also be an option there. Riley was hitting .245/.319/.388 with three homers, eight doubles and 18 RBI in 163 plate appearances before his injury.

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (intercostal) remains out of the starting lineup for Friday's series opener in Pittsburgh against the Pirates. Riley will be missing his 11th straight start and will probably land on the injured list this weekend if he's unable to return by Sunday due to a left-intercostal strain. However, the 27-year-old was able to swing a bat earlier this week. Even if Riley goes on the IL, he deserves to be stashed in all fantasy formats for his power upside in one of the best lineups in baseball. Zack Short will make another start at the hot corner for Atlanta on Friday and will hit ninth against Pirates left-hander Bailey Falter, but Joey Wendle could also become an option for the Braves there if Riley misses more time after the team signed Wendle on Friday. Short has only seven hits in 45 at-bats with three different teams already in 2024.

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (intercostal) remains sidelined for the series finale at Wrigley Field on Thursday against the Chicago Cubs. It's a mild surprise that Atlanta hasn't put Riley on the injured list yet, as this will be his 10th straight missed game due to a left-intercostal strain. The good news is that the 27-year-old right-handed slugger was able to take some swings on the field earlier this week. However, if he's not able to return this weekend for a series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, it would be even more of a surprise if he's not put on the IL. The former 41st overall pick in 2015 is currently slashing .245/.319/.388 with only three home runs and 18 RBI, but he remains a must-start when he's healthy. Luke Williams will get the start at third on Thursday instead of Zack Short and will hit ninth against Cubs right-hander Ben Brown.

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (intercostal) is sitting yet again on Tuesday against the Chicago Cubs at Wrigley Field. The longer Riley sits out, the more likely him landing on the injured list is. The 27-year-old power-hitting right-hander has been sidelined since May 12 with left-intercostal inflammation, but the good news is that he was cleared to take soft swings in the batting cage on Tuesday. Fantasy managers must keep him on their bench and check back on Wednesday to see if he's cleared to rejoin the starting lineup. Zack Short is getting another start at third base on Tuesday and will hit eighth against Cubs right-hander Javier Assad. Short has only six hits in 38 at-bats so far in 2024 with three different teams and should be avoided in DFS.

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley (side) is sitting out the second game of Monday's doubleheader against the visiting San Diego Padres. Riley also missed the Game 1 loss and now has not played in over a week due to intercostal inflammation on his left side. If the 27-year-old is forced to miss anymore time, it's likely he'll eventually land on the injured list. Riley is hoping to swing a bat soon, so he's technically still considered day-to-day. When healthy, he's the Braves' starting third baseman and is a must-start in all fantasy lineups when he's in the lineup. The former 41st overall pick in 2015 is currently hitting .245/.319/.388 on the year with three home runs, 18 RBI and 22 runs scored in 147 at-bats. Zack Short is making another start at third in Game 2 on Monday and is hitting in the nine-hole after going 0-for-3 with a strikeout in Game 1 to drop his average to .143.