July has felt more like a free fall than a playoff push for the Atlanta Braves, but Wednesday brought a glimmer of good news: Austin Riley is back.
The All-Star third baseman was activated from the injured list after missing just 12 days and eight games due to a pre-All-Star break injury scare. The decision to give him a few extra days for precautionary rest during the Giants series now looks like a smart, low-stakes call, given where the team stands in the standings.
Austin Riley’s Bat Was Heating Up Before the Break
Riley’s 2025 numbers may not leap off the page — a .274/.324/.441 line with a 112 wRC+ — but context matters. That slash line is his lowest production since the shortened 2020 season. Still, just before landing on the IL, Riley seemed to be finding his power stroke again. He was hitting .317 with a .585 slugging percentage over his final 42 plate appearances.
Now, as the Braves drift further from postseason contention, Riley’s return could help stabilize a lineup that’s been all over the place lately. Without him, manager Brian Snitker shifted Ronald Acuña Jr. from his usual leadoff spot to third in the order, and put Jurickson Profar up top. It was a combo that produced more total runs, but didn’t quite ignite Acuña’s RBI totals. Despite slashing an eye-catching .240/.387/.640 in that role, Acuña drove in just three runs hitting third.
It’ll be worth watching whether Snitker sticks with the altered lineup or restores Riley to his typical spot in the three-hole, shifting Acuña back to the top. Either way, the team’s offensive rhythm — or lack thereof — remains a storyline.
Braves Deal a Tough Break for Nacho
To clear room for Riley’s return, the Braves optioned top prospect Nacho Alvarez Jr. back to Triple-A Gwinnett. Alvarez wasn’t lighting it up at the plate, but he did play solid defense and brought a little spark to a depleted roster. After an injury-plagued year, he’ll look to finish the 2025 campaign healthy and productive down on the farm.
While the Braves’ playoff hopes are all but buried, Riley’s return at least gives fans a reason to watch. If his hot bat from early July carries into August, Atlanta might start resembling the team fans expected back in March — even if it’s a few months too late.
