The Atlanta Braves have faced a tough 2024 season, struggling with a wave of injuries that has significantly impacted their performance.
On Monday, the Braves announced that third baseman Austin Riley would be sidelined for six to eight weeks due to a right-hand fracture, as revealed by an MRI. This injury could potentially keep him out for the remainder of the season, adding to the list of challenges that have taken a toll on what was once a promising year.
The Braves started the 2024 season aiming for their seventh consecutive NL East title, having won the division for the past six years. However, with Riley’s injury, the team now finds itself seven games behind the division leader and has already equaled last season’s total losses (68).
As Atlanta tries to maintain its position in the playoff race, the growing list of injuries highlights the uphill battle they face.
Just days before Riley’s injury was announced, 2022 Rookie of the Year Michael Harris II made his return from the inactive list after dealing with a left hamstring injury.
The most significant losses for the Braves include 2023 MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. and starting pitcher Spencer Strider, both of whom are out for the season following surgeries. Additionally, three-time All-Star second baseman Ozzie Albies remains sidelined with a wrist injury. These setbacks have made it increasingly difficult for the Braves to stay competitive as they push for a postseason spot.
Atlanta Braves injuries
| Player | Injury | Date | Status |
| Seam Murphy | Left oblique strain | March 26-May 27 | — |
| Spencer Strider | UCL surgery | April 13 | Out for season |
| Ronald Acuna Jr. | ACL surgery | May 26 | Out for season |
| Michael Harris II | Left hamstring strain | June 14-Aug. 15 | — |
| Orlando Arcia | Abscessed tooth | July 2-4 | — |
| Ozzie Albies | Left wrist fracture | July 21 | Out 8 weeks |
| Austin Riley | Right hand fracture | Aug. 19 | Out 6-8 weeks |
It’s important to mention that all seven of the players mentioned above were part of Atlanta’s Opening Day lineup, which kicked off the season with a dominant 9-3 victory over the Phillies—a rematch of last year’s NLDS.
Unfortunately, the Braves’ injury woes didn’t stop there. They’ve also had to deal with unexpected setbacks, such as second baseman Whit Merrifield’s “gnarly” finger injury during warm-ups right before his debut with the team. Merrifield was brought in as a temporary replacement shortly after Ozzie Albies went down, which has only made managing the lineup more challenging.
On top of that, former World Series MVP Jorge Soler, who rejoined the Braves just before the trade deadline, has been struggling with a persistent hamstring injury, causing him to miss several games recently.
Despite these challenges, Atlanta is still in the thick of the NL Wild Card race and fighting to stay afloat amid a season full of highs, lows, and a string of unfortunate injuries. Although Riley’s six-to-eight-week recovery might keep him out for the rest of the regular season, there’s hope that Albies could return for the final stretch.
Albies’ return could be just what the Braves need to secure a postseason spot. Back in 2021, the Braves managed to rally and win the World Series after Ronald Acuña Jr.’s ACL injury sidelined him. Now, three years later, they’ll be looking to pull off another comeback, this time with even more significant injuries affecting the roster.
