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Austin Riley (hand) expected to miss six-to-eight weeks

Austin Riley (hand) expected to miss six-to-eight weeks

MLB MLB DFS News

Updated:

By: Alex Hunter

Riley was hit on the right hand by a pitch during Sunday’s win over Angels and after further evaluation, the third baseman has been diagnosed with a fractured hand that is expected to sideline him for six-to-eight weeks.

This news is unfortunately another major blow for this Atlanta team that has suffered many key injuries this season, most notably Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee), Spencer Strider (elbow) and Ozzie Albies (wrist). This season, Riley is posting a .256 batting average with 15 homers and 56 RBIs.

While the former All-Star will be missed, this six-to-eight week timeline gives Riley a chance to return for the postseason if the Braves advance. Atlanta currently holds a playoff spot in the NL and on the DraftKings Sportsbook—they are a -380 favorite to make the playoffs— despite this unfortunate news about Riley. The Braves next play Tuesday vs. Phillies and with Riley sidelined, Luke Williams could start at third base.

On a positive note for Atlanta, Reynaldo Lopez (arm) has been activated off the IL and will start Tuesday vs. Philadelphia, after the pitcher has missed the last month. Lopez named to his first All-Star team this season and he has been outstanding with a career-best 2.06 ERA, 102 strikeouts and a 7-4 record. While facing the Phillies in his first start back isn’t an easy task, Lopez’s return to the rotation is huge news for the Braves.

All odds provided by DraftKings Sportsbook and all odds subject to change.

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I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is Hunta512) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.

Alex Hunter
Alex Hunter is an avid DFS player and sports handicapper, who has been a proud member of the DraftKings Network team since 2020. He is a data-driven analyst, who earned his bachelor’s degree in communications at Worcester State University and has been in the sports content business for nearly a decade, covering the NBA, NFL and PGA TOUR. Alex is a diehard Boston Celtics fan, who loves to be on the golf course when he isn’t grinding lineups or producing content. For all of Alex’s work or if you need any lineup advice, be sure to follow him @Hunta512 on X.
Disclaimer

I am a promoter at DraftKings and am also an avid fan and user (my username is Hunta512) and may sometimes play on my personal account in the games that I offer advice on. Although I have expressed my personal view on the games and strategies above, they do not necessarily reflect the view(s) of DraftKings and do not constitute a representation that any particular strategy will guarantee success. All customers should use their own skills and judgment in building lineups. I may also deploy different players and strategies than what I recommend above. I am not an employee of DraftKings and do not have access to any non-public information.