Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss the remainder of the 2023 season after sustaining a torn ACL in his right knee.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has received disheartening news, as an MRI scan on Sunday evening revealed that he has torn the anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. The injury, a serious setback for the Braves and their star player, is expected to keep Acuña sidelined for the rest of the 2023 season.
Acuña sustained the injury in the first inning of Atlanta's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. While attempting to make a catch in the outfield, he awkwardly landed and immediately collapsed to the ground in pain. The Braves' medical staff rushed to his aid and helped him off the field, where he underwent a preliminary examination.
The Braves released a statement late Sunday night confirming the extent of Acuña's injury. The statement read: "Ronald Acuña Jr. underwent an MRI scan this evening which revealed a torn ACL in his right knee. He will undergo season-ending surgery in the near future. Our thoughts are with Ronald as he begins his rehab and recovery."
The news of Acuña's injury came as a devastating blow to the Braves, who are currently in the thick of the National League East race. Acuña, the reigning NL Rookie of the Year, had emerged as one of the best and most exciting young players in all of baseball.
In 2022, Acuña batted .328 with 24 home runs and 52 RBIs in 101 games. He also stole 29 bases and scored 84 runs. His performance helped the Braves win their fifth consecutive NL East title, and he was a key contributor to their run to the World Series.
Acuña's injury is a major loss for the Braves, both on and off the field. He is one of the most popular players in baseball, and his absence will be felt throughout the Braves' organization and by fans across the country.
The Braves, already without several key players due to injuries, will now have to find a way to replace Acuña's production in the lineup. Manager Brian Snitker said after the game that he was "still trying to wrap my head around" the news of Acuña's injury, but that the Braves would "have to find a way to move on."
The Braves are scheduled to play a makeup game against the Pirates on Monday before opening a three-game series against the Chicago Cubs on Tuesday. It is unclear when Acuña will have surgery or when he will begin his rehab process.
