Initial Diagnosis Suggests Braves' Rookie Slugger Austin Riley Has Torn LCL in Right Knee
By Michael Luciano
Braves star rookie Austin Riley might have cooled off since his torrid start to the season in May, but he remains a dangerous power threat that has proven he could be one of Atlanta's future building blocks.
While his status as a future star is not in doubt, his 2019 season is likely over. The preliminary diagnosis on Riley's knee injury showed that he has torn his LCL. While he is going to get a second opinion to see if he needs surgery, this injury means that it's likely curtains for Riley in 2019.
Preliminary diagnosis is partial ligament tear (the LCL) in Austin Riley’s right knee. Will get checked out by #Braves specialist and then by Dr. Andrews Monday to determine whether surgery needed.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) August 8, 2019
Riley is hitting .242 with 17 home runs on the season, but 14 of his home runs came in May and June. A natural third baseman, Riley has adapted nicely to left field, proving himself as at least an average outfielder defensively.
Even with the NL East title in striking distance and with a young core that rivals anyone else across baseball, losing a young player of Riley's caliber with his power has to sting for Brian Snitker and the Braves.
VIDEO: Austin Riley gives an update on his right knee injury that landed him on the IL. #Braves pic.twitter.com/QjmHETkVBF
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) August 8, 2019
Hopefully this injury is nothing more than a minor bump on the road for Riley, and he can get back to slamming balls out of SunTrust Park in 2020.
For now, the Braves will focus on coping with the loss of their 22-year-old slugger while aiming to hold onto their six game lead in the NL East.