(AP) – The Atlanta Braves activated third baseman Austin Riley from the injured list on Friday ahead of a weekend series at Texas.
Riley hadn’t played since straining an abdominal muscle while making a throw on July 11 against St. Louis.
The 28-year-old was hitting .274 with 14 home runs and 48 RBIs at the time of the injury. The two-time All-Star’s return comes with Atlanta fading as the trade deadline approaches.
The Braves entered Friday 10 games out of the last wild-card spot in the National League and were 3-5 during Riley’s absence.
To make room for Riley on the 26-man roster, Atlanta optioned infielder Nacho Alvarez Jr. to Triple-A Gwinnett.