The Atlanta Braves have their third injury scare of Spring Training. Third baseman Austin Riley was pulled from Friday's contest as a precaution after being hit by a pitch on his right hand. Initial X-rays were negative and a CT Scan revealed no fracture. It is the same arm that was injured last August. New addition Jurickson Profar avoided injury after sliding to make a catch in the outfield. Catcher Sean Murphy is already out several weeks after being drilled by a pitch himself.
The Braves are banking on a return to form for Riley in 2025 after injury and ineffectiveness plagued his 2024 campaign. Last year's fracture was seen after an initial clean X-ray. Both he and Matt Olson are hoping to make the middle of the team's lineup the force it was in their record 2023 season.
Riley was able to pass initial tests on the field and stayed in the contest to run the bases before being taken out of the contest. He was unavailable for comment.