Austin Riley’s season will be cut short for a second straight season.
Riley, 28, underwent core injury surgery on Thursday in Philadelphia and is expected to return by spring training, the Braves announced.
The third baseman’s procedure is intended to fix a sports hernia and requires a few months of recovery and rehab.
Riley had a brief stint on the injured list in July, with the Braves placing the third baseman on the 10-day IL with a strained right abdomen following a July 11 game against the Cardinals.
Nine games after being activated, however, Riley aggravated his lower abdominal muscles during a play against the Reds on Aug 2.
Shortly before his reinstatement July 25, Braves manager Brian Snitker said management was being cautious with Riley’s return to the field.
“I think it’s just smart to piggyback with [Thursday’s off-day,]” Snitker told reporters then. “Hopefully, Friday he wakes up, does everything and is ready to go.”
Before the surgery, Riley posted a slash line of .260/.309/.428 along with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs across 102 games this season.
Riley’s surgery comes as the Braves are struggling with injuries, with six players currently on the 60-day IL.
Last season, Riley had season-ending surgery in late September on his fractured right hand after he was drilled with a ball earlier in the year.
Riley was hit in the hand by a heater from Angels pitcher Jack Kochanowicz on Aug. 18, 2024, and though the Braves initially thought it would be a six-to-eight week absence, the 2021 World Series winner had to undergo surgery.
The two-time All-Star was drafted by the Braves with the No. 41 pick of the 2015 MLB Draft and has been in the big leagues for seven seasons.
Along with his All-Star appearances in 2022 and 2023, Riley also earned Silver Slugger awards in 2021 and 2023.