Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley, not long removed from the 10-day injured list, exited Sunday’s 4-2 win over the Cincinnati Reds in the MLB Speedway Classic with a lower abdominal injury.
On the first ball put in play of the resumed game that was postponed Saturday due to heavy rainfall, Riley made a diving play and then chased down the Reds’ Elly De La Cruz for a run-saving out in the bottom of the first inning at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee to preserve a 1-0 Cincinnati lead.
Riley remained in the game but was replaced by pinch-hitter Luke Williams in the third inning.
Afterward, Atlanta manager Brian Snitker feared Riley might be spending another stint on the IL.
“It was one of those things where he wasn’t sure about batting,” Snitker told reporters. “I told him, if (the injured muscle) goes, you’re looking at the end of the year on the IL. Hopefully, it’s not bad.”
Riley recorded just one at-bat — a strikeout in the first inning on Saturday before the game was postponed.
The two-time All-Star and Silver Slugger winner was on the injured list from July 12-25 with a lower abdominal strain. Since returning to the lineup, Riley is 4-for-37 with two home runs and six RBIs.
In 101 games this season, Riley is batting .260 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs. For his career, Riley has hit .270 with 169 homers and 483 RBIs.
–Field Level Media
