Braves' Austin Riley Exits Game After Being Hit by Pitch on Right Hand

The All-Star third baseman left a Spring Training game for precautionary tests after being struck in the same area as his 2024 season-ending injury.

Austin Riley was hit on the right hand by a pitch from Jackson Rutledge during the first inning of a Spring Training game against the Nationals.
Riley initially stayed in the game as a base runner but was removed before the second inning as a precaution.
X-rays taken at the stadium were negative, but Riley was sent for a CT scan to rule out potential structural damage.
Riley's 2024 season ended early due to a fractured right hand sustained from a fastball, raising concerns about the recurrence of the injury.
The Braves have already dealt with injuries this preseason, with catcher Sean Murphy set to start the season on the injured list with a cracked rib.