Braves' Austin Riley Returns to Injured List with Abdominal Strain

Atlanta Braves third baseman Austin Riley has been placed on the 10-day injured list for the second time this season due to a strained lower abdominal muscle sustained during a diving play at the MLB Speedway Classic against the Cincinnati Reds. Riley aggravated a previous abdominal injury while tagging out Reds' Elly De La Cruz near home plate, forcing him to leave the game early and be replaced by Luke Williams. The Braves are evaluating Riley's condition over the next few days and have recalled infielders Nacho Alvarez Jr. and Jonathan Ornelas from Triple-A Gwinnett to fill roster spots, with Alvarez expected to take over third base duties. Riley, a two-time All-Star, has been batting .260 with 16 home runs and 54 RBIs this season, and his absence adds to the Braves' ongoing injury challenges, including setbacks to key pitchers and outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. Despite the injury setback, the Braves secured a 4-2 win over the Reds to conclude the rain-delayed Speedway Classic series.