The Atlanta Braves' worst fears have been confirmed: Reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. has suffered a torn ACL in his left knee, ending his 2024 campaign and dealing a devastating blow to the playoff contenders.
The Atlanta Braves' hopes of repeating as World Series champions have been dealt a crushing blow with the news that Ronald Acuña Jr. has suffered a season-ending torn ACL in his left knee. The injury, which was confirmed by an MRI after Acuña was forced to leave Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates early, is a major setback for both the player and the team.
Acuña, who was the reigning National League MVP, sustained the injury in the first inning of the Braves' 8-1 victory over the Pirates. While taking a lead from second base and attempting to steal third, Acuña went down to the dirt without contact. The Braves gasped in horror as he clutched his left knee, but the 25-year-old was able to get up and limp off the field under his own power.
Initial reports from the Braves indicated that Acuña had left knee soreness, but those hopes were dashed when the MRI revealed the torn ACL. The injury is more serious than the last time Acuña tore his ACL, which occurred in his right leg in 2021.
Acuña's loss for the season is an enormous void in the Braves' lineup. A four-time All-Star and the 2022 NL MVP, Acuña has been a driving force behind the Braves' dominance in the National League, owning the third-best record in the league at 30-20.
Entering Sunday's game, Acuña had a .246/.348/.356 slash line with four homers, 15 RBI, and seven doubles in 48 games. Last season, he led the National League in hits (217), runs scored (149), stolen bases (73), on-base percentage (.416), and OPS (1.012).
Acuña's injury leaves the Braves with a major hole to fill in their outfield. The team is expected to recall outfielder Drew Waters from Triple-A Gwinnett to take Acuña's place on the active roster, but Waters is an unproven player with just 36 games of MLB experience.
The Braves will now face the challenge of trying to maintain their status as one of the top teams in the National League without their star outfielder. While the team still has plenty of talent, Acuña's absence will undoubtedly be felt.
