Austin Riley recently reassured Braves fans with positive updates. Given the numerous major injuries the Atlanta Braves faced in 2024, it’s easy to overlook how impactful Riley’s injury was. While Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider were the most crucial players to get hurt, Riley’s bat in the middle of the lineup was vital for the offense. His limited 110-game season was a significant setback for the team’s depth.
Riley struggled with an oblique injury early in the season before a hit-by-pitch fractured his hand, ending his season prematurely. There was a brief hope he might return for the postseason, but that hope was crushed, and the Braves were eliminated early, looking like a shadow of their former selves.
Many fans are understandably anxious, still reeling from a disappointing season and concerned that the injured players won’t return to their former form. However, Riley spoke with the media, assuring everyone that he is in a great position as he heads into spring training.
Riley shared that his hand feels excellent. Although he took it easy initially during recovery, his healing allowed him to follow his usual offseason training routine. He also expressed his frustration with the timing of his injury, as he was finally getting back to form when it occurred and desperately wanted to be on the field for the playoffs.
While more will be known once spring training games begin this weekend, this is promising news. It’s a relief that Riley had a relatively normal offseason, reducing the chances of lingering issues with his hand affecting the start of 2025. Hand injuries can take time to fully heal, but everything suggests that Riley is on track.
With Acuña Jr. and Strider likely unavailable for Opening Day, the Braves will need Riley to perform at his best. If players like Riley, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Ozzie Albies, and newcomer Jurickson Profar can start strong, the Braves should be in a good position. However, if they struggle, the first month of the season could be challenging.
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