The Atlanta Braves’ injury list adds another name to its roster on Wednesday after rookie third baseman/outfielder Austin Riley was placed on the IL after suffering a knee ligament injury.
The powerful righty reportedly suffered the knee injury while doing weight training at Target Field on Tuesday before Atlanta’s game against the Minnesota Twins. After Riley felt more discomfort on Wednesday before the Braves’ win over the Twins, the team decided to send him back to Atlanta for further evaluation and an IL trip.
Riley is now the third Braves regular on the injured list, joining right fielder Nick Markakis (broken wrist) and shortstop Dansby Swanson (bruised heel).
The rookie sensation was called up by the Braves in late May and started off on a huge tear, smashing 11 home runs in his first 30 Major League games. He was a key part of the team’s offensive resurgence in June which has propelled them to a 6-game NL East lead.
Though Riley has cooled off of late, he is still hitting a respectable .242 with 17 home runs on the season. While he’s been reduced to a part-time starter in recent weeks, the Braves will still miss his power bat in their lineup.
The Braves will announce Riley’s expected time of absence after further testing.
