Atlanta Braves hope for a spark as Austin Riley eyes a July 25 return vs. the Rangers. Can his bat ignite the offense after a recent slump? Get the latest updates.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
Just when the Atlanta Braves needed a glimmer of hope, it appears to be on the horizon. After a frustrating stint on the injured list, All-Star third baseman Austin Riley is reportedly nearing a return, potentially as soon as tonight's series opener in Texas. For a team sputtering on a two-game skid and sitting a daunting 14 games out of first, the return of a middle-of-the-order thumper couldn't come at a better time.
The Braves enter the weekend 44-57, but the potential return of Austin Riley could be the single biggest roster move they make before the trade deadline.
The biggest question heading into Friday's game is the status of Austin Riley. Sidelined since July 12 with a strained right abdomen, his absence has been deeply felt in the heart of the Braves' lineup. While the team has yet to make it official, all signs point to a possible activation for the series against the Rangers. His .274 average and steady power are desperately needed to support Matt Olson and reignite an offense that has looked inconsistent. A healthy Riley changes the entire dynamic of this team.
The front office has been busy tweaking the roster's edges. The latest move brings veteran catcher Sandy León up from Triple-A Gwinnett. The 36-year-old provides a steady, defensive-minded presence behind the plate, a clear priority with Sean Murphy's injury history and Travis d'Arnaud's workload. To make room, outfielder Stuart Fairchild (.216 AVG in 28 games) was designated for assignment. This follows the recent additions of relievers Hunter Stratton and Dylan Dodd, moves aimed at stabilizing a bullpen that has been a source of frustration all season.
The task ahead isn't easy. The Braves (44-57) are on the road to face a solid Texas Rangers (53-50) team. Atlanta needs to snap its two-game losing streak and build momentum as the trade deadline approaches. With or without Riley, the pressure will be on players like Matt Olson (.268 AVG, 18 HR, 64 RBI) to produce runs. This series could be a major litmus test for the front office as they decide whether to be buyers or sellers in the coming days.
Beyond Riley, the training room remains active. Reliever Joe Jiménez is making good progress from his left knee surgery and is targeting a return sometime in August, which would be a huge boost for the bullpen. Unfortunately, the news isn't as clear for Reynaldo López (shoulder inflammation), who remains without a firm timetable. As we know, top prospect AJ Smith-Shawver is out for the year after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
All eyes will be on the lineup card tonight in Texas. Will Riley's name be on it? His return, combined with the recent roster churn, signals that the Braves are not going down without a fight. This weekend series is more than just three games; it's a chance to change the narrative and give the team—and the fans—a reason to believe as the final stretch of the season looms.
