Austin Riley is officially done for the year after undergoing core-injury surgery. That’s unfortunate, as it’s now the second season in a row that the two-time All-Star will finish on the IL. On the other hand, it also opens the door for one of the Braves' rookies to gain some valuable experience at the big-league level and for the team to get a long look at one of its top prospects.
🚨 BREAKING: The Braves announce 3B Austin Riley underwent core injury surgery today in Philadelphia with Dr. William Meyers.
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) August 21, 2025
He will miss the remainder of the regular season but is expected to return for spring training in 2026. pic.twitter.com/VwcmYOlJAL
Nacho Alvarez Can Now Take Over at the Hot Corner
With Riley’s multiple IL stints this season, Nacho Alvarez has already made 24 appearances at third base for the Braves in 2025. In fact, the 22-year-old rookie has played the position exclusively during his time in the majors so far this season, and done so very well.
Alvarez has made just one error in 64 total chances (.984 FLD%) across 207 innings going into play Friday night. Digging a little deeper, he has already managed to register six defensive runs saved above average. That’s an elite mark for the limited amount of time on the field.
Nacho Alvarez RUNS INTO THE TARP pic.twitter.com/btIvQCGuEl
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) July 19, 2025
Alvarez is starting to progress with the bat as well. In an eight-game sample with the Braves last year, he went just 3 for 30 with 10 strikeouts. During his first call-up in mid-July this season, Alvarez didn’t fare much better, going only 6 for 30 with nine strikeouts. He managed just one extra-base hit over those first 60 MLB at-bats.
Since taking over for the re-injured Riley back on August 4, it’s been a different story for Alvarez. Over 59 plate appearances this month, he has hit a respectable .275 with an excellent .373 OBP. The former fifth-round pick still has not shown much power (.353 SLG), but he has ripped four doubles with six RBI and nine runs over his last 16 games.
If Alvarez can maintain his recent form on both sides of the game for the remainder of the season, he could get an early jump on a potential Opening Day roster spot in 2026, at least in a bench role for the Braves. He is not going to knock Riley, who is expected to be back by Spring Training, out of his starting spot anytime soon, but Alvarez has the chance to firmly stake his claim to an MLB job over the next several weeks.