Pittsburgh — Star player for the Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Sunday’s 8-1 victory over Pittsburgh, meaning he will miss the remainder of the season.
The game began with a double to right-center field off Martín Pérez by the current NL MVP. When Acuña attempted a stolen base with Marcell Ozuna at the plate, his left knee gave out. After lying down for a few minutes and pointing to his left leg, Acuña eventually got up and moved away on his own. Soreness in the left knee was the Braves’ initial diagnosis. However, the team said on Sunday night that an MRI revealed a full ACL injury, necessitating season-ending surgery.
Acuña sustained an ACL tear on July 20, 2021. The 26-year-old outfielder claimed in the clubhouse following Sunday’s victory that his injury seemed less serious while sporting a brace.
“I don’t feel any pop or anything that would be that terrible. It’s not as horrible as you imagine, Acuña replied.
When Acuña expected catcher Joey Bart to throw slowly back to the mound, he was looking to take third. Unexpectedly hard was the toss, and he suddenly twisted his leg to return to second.
Acuña is at bat.250 in 49 games with four home runs and fifteen RBIs. Last season, the four-time All-Star hit a career-high.337 with 41 home runs and 106 RBIs.
All-Star right-hander Spencer Strider, whose season ended on April 13 due to surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow, was already absent for Atlanta. With a left intercostal strain, third baseman Austin Riley is doubtful, while catcher Sean Murphy is still listed on the 10-day disabled list due to an oblique ailment he sustained on opening day.
Before the results of Acuña’s MRI were revealed, Braves manager Brian Snitker stated, “It’s just something that everybody goes through.” We’ve experienced it previously. For my part, I really detest it since it impacts young men more than us. These men are avid gamers. To be honest, I feel sorry for those guys more than for us when something bad occurs to them.