Braves rookie Ronald Acuña has been one of the best stories in baseball this season. The 20-year-old outfielder debuted in April and immediately looked like the superstar he was forecasted to be, going yard in his second game and batting .265/.326/.453 through Sunday while flashing a five-tool skillset.
With that in mind, we are desperately hoping the injury Acuña suffered Sunday at Fenway Park was not as bad as it looked.
With one out in the seventh inning and the Braves leading the Red Sox 6-1, Acuña beat out an infield single to shortstop, extending his arms into a “safe” signal as he crossed first base. Then, a few steps past the bag, he landed awkwardly on his left leg and fell to the ground, prompting Atlanta’s first-base coach to furiously call for trainers. Here’s a clip:
Here is what happened to Ronald Acuña Jr.
He was able to walk off the field.
Stay tuned for updates. pic.twitter.com/Qj9NUAD0EE
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 27, 2018
For several moments, as Acuña lay almost motionless on the ground, the injury looked to be very, very serious.
Oh no.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is down after an awkward fall at the first-base bag.@Braves training staff appears to be looking at his left leg. pic.twitter.com/MG7vrUBIiH
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 27, 2018
But in a highly promising sign, Acuña was able to walk off the field under his own power, suggesting maybe (hopefully) things were not quite as dire as they had initially appeared.
Ronald Acuña Jr. (amazingly) is able to walk off the field after a scary moment at first base.#Braves | #ChopOn pic.twitter.com/MinHTq8hR2
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 27, 2018
Braves fans, of course, desperately hope Acuña’s knee remains intact. In barely a month, the outfielder has solidified himself as a key cog in the lineup of a team that stands 29-21, just half a game back of first place in the NL East. His absence for an extended period of time would strike a huge blow to Atlanta’s playoff hopes.
But beyond that, Acuña’s health is in the interest of all baseball fans everyone. The 20-year-old is a potential superstar and an exciting one at that. Here’s hoping he gets back on the field soon.
