Austin Riley’s Season Abruptly Ends: What This Core Surgery Means for His Future with the Braves

Man, it’s been a rough stretch for the Atlanta Braves, especially with Austin Riley heading to the sidelines for the rest of the season after undergoing core injury surgery this past Thursday. The procedure, carried out by Dr. William Meyers in Philly, comes after Riley was sidelined twice in just under two months — the latest stint beginning August 4th due to a nagging lower abdominal strain. The good news? The team expects him back and ready to roll by spring training next year.

Riley’s back-and-forth with the injured list started mid-July, but even after bouncing back on the 25th, he wrapped up the season with a respectable .260 average, 16 long balls, and 54 RBIs. As the Braves shuffle their deck, they snagged righty Cal Quantrill off waivers from Miami, sending Dane Dunning down to Triple-A Gwinnett to make room. Plus, outfielder Jake Fraley joined the fold after Connor Seabold was optioned out; Fraley was designated for assignment by Cincinnati shortly before the Braves swooped in. Meanwhile, Dylan Dodd returns from Gwinnett, but Luke Williams heads to the 10-day injured list with his own left oblique strain. It’s a whirlwind down in Atlanta, but that’s baseball — constant moves, constant demands. LEARN MORE

ATLANTA — Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley will miss the remainder of the season after having core injury surgery on Thursday.

The Braves announced the surgery was performed by Dr. William Meyers in Philadelphia. Riley, who was placed on the 10-day injured list for the second time in two months on Aug. 4 with a strained lower abdominal muscle, is expected to return in time for spring training next year.

Riley first landed on the IL on July 12 with a strained abdomen. He returned on July 25 and finished the season hitting .260 with 16 homers and 54 RBI.

The Braves also claimed right-hander Cal Quantrill off waivers from the Miami Marlins and optioned right-hander Dane Dunning to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Also, the team added outfielder Jake Fraley to its roster after optioning RHP Connor Seabold to Gwinnett. Fraley was designated for assignment by Cincinnati on Sunday before being claimed by the Braves.

Left-hander Dylan Dodd was recalled from Gwinnett, and infielder Luke Williams was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained left oblique muscle.