Austin Riley’s season ends with sports hernia surgery; Braves add starter Cal Quantrill

ATLANTA — Braves third baseman Austin Riley had season-ending surgical procedure Thursday for a core muscle damage that’s generally often known as a sports hernia. Recovery usually takes round six weeks, so Riley needs to be prepared effectively earlier than spring coaching.

It was a busy day for the Braves, who additionally claimed right-hander Cal Quantrill off waivers from the Miami Marlins and instantly inserted him into their beginning rotation. Quantrill, who was 4-10 with a 5.50 ERA in 24 begins for Miami, is scheduled to begin Saturday for the Braves in opposition to the New York Mets at Truist Park.

Atlanta positioned infielder Luke Williams on the 10-day injured record for a strained left indirect and activated outfielder Jake Fraley, who was claimed off waivers from the Cincinnati Reds on Tuesday.

Additionally, the Braves optioned right-handed relievers Dane Dunning and Connor Seabold to Triple A and recalled lefty Dylan Dodd — extra bullpen churn to add one other contemporary arm to a unit that’s had a heavy workload not too long ago.

Cal Quantrill is becoming a member of his fourth staff in three seasons. (Todd Kirkland / Getty Images)

For Riley, 28, this makes two disappointing, injury-plagued seasons in a row. He hit .260 with 16 homers, 54 RBIs and a .737 OPS in 102 video games. It’s the second consecutive 12 months he had full-season career-lows in every of the latter 4 of these classes, after hitting .256 with 19 homers, 56 RBIs and a .783 OPS in 110 video games in 2024.

In his first three full seasons by 2023, Riley hit .286 with an .878 OPS whereas averaging 36 homers and 99 RBIs. He had a 135 OPS+ in these three seasons and a 110 OPS+ over the previous two seasons.

Riley was on the IL for a second time in a month with what had been recognized as a decrease stomach pressure. When soreness lingered, he was despatched to Philadelphia to see Dr. William Meyers, a number one core-injury specialist.

Meyers carried out the sports hernia surgical procedure Thursday. Rookie Nacho Alvarez Jr. will proceed to fill in at third base.

(Photo: Ed Zurga / Getty Images)