BRISTOL, Tenn. -- It’s not just the Braves’ starting pitchers who are on the injured list. Ronald Acuña Jr. is sidelined for at least a couple more weeks and Austin Riley might be going back on the IL for the second time in less than a month.
Riley felt lower abdominal pain after he dived to tag Elly De La Cruz in the first inning of Atlanta's 4-2 victory over the Reds in Sunday’s Speedway Classic Game at Bristol Motor Speedway. The Braves’ third baseman was replaced by pinch-hitter Luke Williams in the third inning.
“It was one of those things where he wasn’t sure about batting,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “I told him, if [the aggravated muscle] goes, you’re looking at the end of the year on the IL. Hopefully, it’s not bad.”
Speedway Classic '25, presented by BuildSubmarines.com
• Here are the best moments from the 2025 Speedway Classic
• Speedway Classic delivers baseball thrills in iconic setting
• White (2 HRs), Waldrep put Braves in victory lane
• Reds enjoy 'fun atmosphere' at Bristol despite stalled offense
• Speedway Classic style is right on track!
• Braves' radio tandem won the Speedway Classic costume contest
• Racing-inspired uniforms unveiled for Speedway Classic
• MLB Games played at non-MLB parks
• How to make a raceway baseball diamond? Gravel by the ton helps
• Dale Jr.'s iconic baseball car back for Speedway Classic
Riley was on the IL from July 12-25 with a lower abdominal strain. If he is forced to go back on the IL, the Braves could choose to recall Nacho Alvarez Jr., Atlanta's No. 3 prospect, who played third while Riley was previously sidelined.
“Hopefully we erred on the side of caution by taking him out and it will be better in a day or two,” Snitker said. “I don’t know.”
The injury bug has hit the Braves hard for a second straight season. They have five starting pitchers -- Chris Sale, Reynaldo López, Spencer Schwellenbach, Grant Holmes and AJ Smith-Shawver -- on the 60-day injured list.
Acuña was placed on the 10-day IL with a lower right calf strain. There’s a chance he could return during the second half of August. But the Braves will be cautious with the 2023 National League MVP, who has had both of his ACLs surgically repaired within the past four years.