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Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss the rest of the 2024 MLB season after suffering a torn ACL during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
Acuña took to social media on Sunday night to send a message to fans:
The Braves initially announced he exited the game due to left knee soreness. However, an MRI on Sunday night ultimately showed he tore the ACL in his left knee.
The reigning National League MVP when making a break for third base and quickly pivoting back to second in between pitches. He walked off the field under his own power but was visibly limping.
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Ronald Acuña Jr. exits the game due to a non-contact injury on the bases. pic.twitter.com/RHZCJ9ldBe
Acuña discussed the injury after the game:
Acuña missed half the season in 2021 after tearing his ACL, and the injury seemingly had a corresponding impact on his performance the following year. His .413 slugging and 112 OPS+ in 2022 are both the lowest of his career over an entire campaign.
The 26-year-old hasn’t been his usual self in 2024. Through 49 appearances, he had a .250/.351/.365 slash line along with four home runs, 15 RBI and 16 stolen bases.
The Braves are leading the National League wild-card race at 30-20 but trail the first-place Philadelphia Phillies by 6.5 games in the National League East.
Atlanta’s bid for a sixth straight division title after Spencer Strider underwent season-ending elbow surgery. Losing Acuña will create obvious problems for the team despite the offensive depth it boasts.
