Austin Riley’s injuries continue to improve for the Braves…

Austin Riley’s injuries continue to improve for the Braves..

Austin Riley is not in the starting lineup for the second straight game as the Braves prepare for the second of a three-game series against the Cubs at Truist Park.

x The All-Star third baseman for Atlanta left the game early on Sunday due to discomfort in his abdomen, but Brian Snitker downplayed the severity of the injury.

 

 

He woke up sore in the morning and had an MRI, which showed only inflammation, so he wasn’t in the lineup against the Cubs last night. Riley appeared to have escaped a stay in IL, and today’s events supported that theory.

 

 

According to David O’Brien of The Athletic, Snitker informed the Atlanta reporters that Austin Riley felt “much better” and was even “having trouble finding the spot that’s sore in his side.”

Zack Short started last night in Riley’s place and came up big on offense and defense, knocking in a run as well as scoring one of his own. The Braves are obviously expecting Austin Riley to return rather soon, but seeing Short step up when called upon is encouraging.