The Atlanta Braves ended last week hanging on for the third Wild Card position in the National League. Now they’ll have to maintain it sans a two-time All-Star.

Atlanta (66-58) is currently two games ahead of the New York Mets (64-60) in both the division and the wild card race for the NL’s final playoff berth. Monday, the team announced third baseman Austin Riley has a right hand fracture and is expected to miss approximately 6 to 8 weeks.

Riley, 27, has 19 home runs, 56 RBIs, and a .256 bating average in 110 games this season. He has made the NL All-Star team each of the last two years and collected downballot MVP votes in each of the last three. He had an outside chance of finishing the season with 30 home runs for the fourth consecutive year.

Now, he’ll be fortunate to take the field again in 2024. His team’s postseason chances might depend on it.

More to come on this story.

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 29: Adam Duvall #14 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Ozzie Albies #1, Jarred Kelenic #24, Austin Riley #27 and Matt Olson #28 after hitting a walk off single during the…
ATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 29: Adam Duvall #14 of the Atlanta Braves reacts with Ozzie Albies #1, Jarred Kelenic #24, Austin Riley #27 and Matt Olson #28 after hitting a walk off single during the tenth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on June 29, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia. Riley has a hand fracture that will keep him out for the next 6-8 weeks.

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