This afternoon, there were multiple reports that Austin Riley took batting practice and should return to Spring Training action in the coming days. This is great news for Riley and the Atlanta Braves after Riley was hit by a pitch on the wrist yesterday.
Austin Riley took BP in the cage today and felt great. Should be playing again within the next couple days.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 15, 2025
Riley may have been helped by batting gloves that were made for him after he missed the end of the 2024 after breaking his wrist after being hit by a pitch.
Austin Riley hit in the cage today. An interesting thing that could help: After the August hand fracture, Mizuno made Riley batting gloves with padding in the palms.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) March 15, 2025
The Braves played today 1PM Eastern with Cal Conley at third base. The Braves lost catcher Sean Murphy to a cracked rib after he was hit by a pitch earlier this month. He is expected to miss the start of the regular season.
Atlanta doesn’t have a strong option behind Riley. Prospect Nacho Alvarez, Jr., who could be an option to play third, has missed most of Spring Training with a wrist injury of his own. Utility men Luke William, Eli White and Nick Allen could all be options to fill-in at third base if needed.
UPDATE: Riley is in the line-up tonight, playing in the split-squad game that starts at 6PM tonight. He will bat second.