Austin Riley and Grant Holmes on the Injured List: Braves Update
The Atlanta Braves’ third baseman, Austin Riley, was placed on the 10-day injured list on Monday. This is the second time in two months that Riley has suffered a strain in his lower abdominal muscle.
On the other hand, right-handed pitcher Grant Holmes has opted to rehabilitate his injured right elbow instead of undergoing Tommy John surgery, according to manager Brian Snitker.
Riley was injured while trying to retire Elly De La Cruz of the Cincinnati Reds near home plate in the Braves’ 4-2 victory on Sunday in the rain-delayed MLB Speedway Classic.
Riley was also on the injured list on July 12 due to an abdominal strain, but returned on July 25.
Before starting the home series against Milwaukee on Monday night, the Braves called up infielders Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Jonathan Ornelas from Triple-A Gwinnett. The team sent outfielder Jarred Kelenic to Gwinnett after Sunday’s game.
Riley has a batting average of .260 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs.
Snitker explained that Holmes, who has damage to his ulnar collateral ligament (UCL), made the decision not to undergo surgery at this time after consulting with two doctors. The pitcher could reconsider and undergo surgery after the season.
Snitker did not provide a timeline on when Holmes, who was placed on the 60-day injured list on July 27, will begin throwing again. He is not eligible to be activated until September 26.
Holmes has a 4-9 record with a 3.99 ERA and 123 strikeouts this season. He had 15 strikeouts in a game against the Colorado Rockies in June.
The Braves’ other Opening Day starters are also on the injured list, with AJ Smith-Shawver out for the season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
Snitker reported that All-Star left-handed pitcher Chris Sale threw a bullpen session while recovering from a rib fracture. He is scheduled to throw live batting practice soon.
Reynaldo Lopez, who was placed on the injured list on March 29 with shoulder inflammation after a start, is playing catch, but Snitker said there is no timetable for his return.
Spencer Schwellenbach, who is recovering from a fractured elbow, has not yet resumed throwing.
