At 30-20, the Atlanta Braves are right in the thick of things as we near the one-third mark of the season.
However, if the Braves are to accomplish their ultimate goal of winning the World Series, they’re going to have to do it without the reigning National League MVP, Ronald Acuna Jr.
Acuna Jr. suffered a terribly unfortunate injury yesterday in Atlanta’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
The team held their breath hoping for the best, but it was ultimately revealed that Acuna tore his ACL in his left knee – and brutal blow that will end up costing him his season.
The injury occurred during the first inning when Acuna’s left knee buckled as he attempted a steal between second and third base.
An MRI later confirmed the severity of the injury, leaving Acuna sidelined for the remainder of the season.
This marks the second time in less than three years that the 26-year-old outfielder has suffered a torn ACL, having previously injured his right knee in 2018 while making a catch in the outfield.
Acuna’s absence is a significant setback for the Braves, who are already grappling with the loss of ace pitcher Spencer Strider for the 2024 season.
The team, which entered the season with sky-high expectations, will now have to navigate the rest of the year without one of the best players in all of baseball.
In a statement to reporters before the extent of his injury was confirmed, Acuna expressed optimism, saying, “[I] don’t feel that painful, any pop or anything … Don’t think it’s that bad.”
However, subsequent tests revealed the complete tear of his ACL, dashing any hopes of a swift return to the field.
Following the team’s announcement of his season-ending injury, Acuna took to social media with a poignant message, simply stating, “Sorry,” accompanied by broken heart and crying emojis.
The loss of Acuna adds to the challenges facing the Braves, whose offense has struggled to replicate last season’s dominant performance.
While the season is still relatively young, several of Atlanta’s core hitters have failed to meet expectations.
Now without Acuna, the urgency will certainly ramp up more than ever.
Despite the offensive struggles, Atlanta’s pitching staff has helped keep them competitive, with left-hander Chris Sale and free agent signing Reynaldo Lopez more than carrying their weight thus far.
However, the Braves face an uphill battle in the highly competitive NL East, where they currently trail the Philadelphia Phillies by six games.
Acuna’s injury also raises questions about his future with the Braves, as the talented outfielder had expressed a desire for a contract extension to reflect his status as one of the premier players in the league.
Talks on a new deal had stalled, leaving Acuna’s long-term future with the team uncertain.
While it’s nearly impossible to fully replace Acuna on the field, the Braves front office will certainly explore the trade market and try to bolster their lineup as best they can.
However, doing so is much easier said than done.
Will losing Acuna for the season prove to be a fatal blow to Atlanta’s World Series hopes?
Who should they target to help replace his on-field production? … CBS Sports floated the following names as possibilities: Tommy Pham (Chicago White Sox), Taylor Ward (Los Angeles Angels), Brent Rooker (Oakland Athletics), Bryan De La Cruz (Miami Marlins) and Jesse Winker (Washington Nationals).
In the bigger picture, who should be considered the favorites in the National League – the Phillies or Dodgers???