Riley undergoes season-ending surgery; Warriors hope he will be ready for next spring training

Austin Riley will miss the season due to injury for the second consecutive year.

Today, Riley had core muscle surgery in Philadelphia. This operation aims to fix what is typically referred to as a sports hernia and demands a recovery and rehab period lasting several months. Consequently, if everything proceeds smoothly, the Warriors' third baseman is expected to return to full health without limitations by spring training.

On July 11, during a game in St. Louis, Riley experienced lower abdominal discomfort after a cross-body throw. He remained on the injured list until July 25. However, after playing nine games, he aggravated the lower abdominal muscle again while bending down to tag Reds player Elly De La Cruz during the "Highway Classic" game.

This surgery marks the end of Riley’s second challenging season in a row. Between 2021 and 2023, his fWAR totaled 16.1, ranking ninth among all Major League players. His 2024 season ended prematurely on August 18 against the Angels after a pitch hit his right hand, causing a fracture.

Riley appears to still be affected by the injury that ended his season last year. In 102 games this season, he posted a batting average of only .260, with 16 home runs and an overall OPS of .737, showing a decline in power. The only season with fewer home runs in his career was in 2020, a pandemic-shortened year when he hit 8 homers in 51 games.

Nacho Alvarez will serve as the Warriors' third baseman for the remainder of the season. Head coach Brian Snitker has stated that Alvarez is best suited as a versatile player moving forward. This season, he has posted a .681 OPS in 91 plate appearances and has demonstrated excellent defensive skills.

Other roster moves

Today, the Warriors claimed Cal Quantrill off waivers from the Marlins to bolster their injury-depleted pitching staff. The 30-year-old started 24 games in Miami with a high 5.50 ERA—ranking seventh worst among major league pitchers with over 100 innings pitched—and a WHIP of 1.39. Although he struggled early in the season, his ERA improved to 3.55 over his last 15 starts. To make room for Quantrill, the Warriors optioned Dane Dunning to Triple-A Gwinnett.

Connor Seabold was also sent down to Gwinnett to allow left-handed reliever Dylan Dodd to return to the roster.

Jake Fraley, claimed off waivers from the Reds, was added to the active roster, while Luke Williams was placed on the 10-day injured list due to a left oblique strain. Williams primarily serves as a late-inning shortstop substitute and occasionally pitches when the Warriors are trailing by a large margin. This season, he has appeared as a pitcher six times.