NORTH PORT, Fla. — Austin Riley and the Braves breathed a sigh of relief on Friday after a CT scan confirmed he did not suffer another fracture in his right hand.
Both X-rays and the CT scan showed no structural damage following a hit-by-pitch in the first inning of Atlanta’s 5-3 loss to the Nationals at CoolToday Park. Riley was struck on the hand by a fastball from Jackson Rutledge.
Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed optimism that Riley could return to action within a few days. The scare was particularly concerning given Riley’s history — he missed the final six weeks of the 2024 season after fracturing his right hand on a pitch from Angels right-hander Jack Kochanowicz.
“You hold your breath anytime someone gets hit in the hand,” Snitker said. “There are so many small bones in there. We saw last year how tough that can be. Fortunately, this time it turned out okay.”
After being hit, Riley removed his arm guard and batting gloves in frustration as he made his way to first base. He was able to shake hands with head athletic trainer George Poulis and stayed in the game to run the bases. There was no visible discomfort as he tossed his helmet to first base coach Tom Goodwin at the end of the inning. However, Riley did not return to play third base in the second inning.
Elsewhere on the Braves’ injury front, catcher Sean Murphy is set to begin the season on the injured list due to a cracked left rib. Left fielder Jurickson Profar also received good news earlier in the week, with a CT scan revealing no structural damage to his left wrist after an awkward fall during a March 8 game against the Pirates. Profar is expected to be ready before Opening Day.
