ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – The Atlanta Braves have been playing better of late. If it weren’t for their lamentable start, these games in late August would mean more.
Unless they go on a miraculous run, it’s safe to say the Braves have turned their attention to 2026 and are simply trying to get through the injury-plagued season that will surely end their 7-year postseason streak.
It was announced on Thursday that third baseman Austin Riley underwent surgery to repair a sports hernia, meaning he’ll miss the remainder of the season.
“He didn’t want to do it,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He tried like heck to put himself through the working out, running the bases and everything, but it just wasn’t going to happen. It just didn’t feel like where we were this season that it was going to be worth him risking further injury.”
RELATED COVERAGE: Braves 3B Austin Riley undergoes core surgery, will miss remainder of 2025 season
Among a flurry of transactions on Thursday, Atlanta picked up outfielder Jake Fraley from Cincinnati and right-hander Cal Quantrill for depth as much of their starting rotation has gone down due to injuries.
Spencer Strider’s start pushed back to Monday
Atlanta reconfigured its rotation for this weekend’s Mets series, starting Joey Wentz on Friday, newly-acquired Cal Quantrill on Saturday and Bryce Elder on Sunday.
Strider was originally supposed to start on Saturday, but had his start pushed back to Monday in Miami once the team acquired Quantrill.
Snitker said it was nothing more than an extra few days rest for the struggling right-hander.
In his last three starts, Strider has allowed 20 runs across 11.2 innings, somewhat of a shell of what he was prior to his elbow injury. His season ERA is up to 5.24 and he has a -0.3 WAR through 17 starts this season.
At this point, it’ll likely take a busy offseason to work out the kinks Strider is currently trying to figure out when he steps out on the mound every 4-5 days.
Sale’s 3rd rehab start will be in Memphis
Through his first two rehab starts, southpaw Chris Sale has allowed two runs in six total innings, striking out six hitters while walking three.
He’s one rehab assignment away from joining the big league club to round out the 2025 season. The start was originally supposed to be in Double-A Columbus on Sunday, but will instead be in Memphis with Triple-A Gwinnett due to weather.
Chris Sale will pitch tomorrow in Memphis due to rain (instead of Columbus) and get about 75 pitches
— Baillie Burmaster (@baillie_burm) August 22, 2025
Either way, the goal is to throw 75 pitches.
Sale fractured his rib on a diving play in June, halting the encore to his 2024 Cy Young campaign. Through 15 starts (89.1 innings), Sale has a 2.52 ERA and 1.16 WHIP with 114 strikeouts.
Michael Harris II’s resurgence a sight to see
Michael Harris II being the best player in baseball post-All-Star break was likely not on anyone’s 2025 bingo card given the start he had to the season.
Since the break, Harris is slashing .382/.396/.718 with nine home runs. All this can be attributed to a simple chance in his batting stance.
“My hands are above my head and I’m standing a little taller,” Harris said. “That’s kind of the biggest difference … hope it sticks around for a while.
“Why not make a change if I’m not producing.”
#Braves Michael Harris II on being one of the best players in MLB since the All-Star break:
“It’s alright. Could be better.”
All jokes aside, he made the call on his own to switch back to the batting stance he had his rookie season. He is slashing .382/.396/.718 since the ASG. pic.twitter.com/6cH9ntUBF2
— Aaron Schmidt (@ASchmidtSports) August 22, 2025
Harris made the call on his own to change his swing. It looks awfully similar to how it was his rookie season, when he won NL Rookie of the Year.
It’s been a huge contribution to a Braves team that has won 10 of its last 12 games. Atlanta sits at 58-69, nine games behind the Mets for the final NL Wild Card spot.
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