Atlanta Braves’ outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. will be out for the rest of the year after tearing his ACL Saturday against the Miami Marlins. Acuña was carted off the field after hurting his knee going for a catch:
Ronald Acuña Jr. exits the game after injuring his knee going for an outfield catch. #ForTheA pic.twitter.com/9HNIKaK11t
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 10, 2021
Ronald Acuña Jr. has to be carted off the field after suffering an injury to his right knee or leg. pic.twitter.com/mXrjIBAs6V
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 10, 2021
The Braves then put out this update on Acuña Saturday night:
OF Ronald Acuña Jr. underwent an MRI today that showed a complete tear of his right ACL. He will undergo season-ending surgery.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 11, 2021
Acuña, 23, is in his fourth MLB season, and was hitting .281/.392/.593 this year and leading Atlanta with 3.9 wins above replacement (as per Fangraphs). He was set to play in the upcoming All-Star Game, but now will be replaced by Manny Machado:
News: Manny Machado replaces Ronald Acuña Jr. on NL All-Star team, marking Machado’s first appearance with the @Padres. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) July 11, 2021
Acuña’s loss will be a big blow for the Braves. They eventually won 5-4 Saturday, improving their record to 44-44 and putting them four games back of the New York Mets for the AL East title. But now they’ll have to continue on without one of their biggest stars.
[Photo from Sam Navarro/USA Today Sports]
