PITTSBURGH — Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss the rest of the season after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee during Sunday’s 8-1 win at Pittsburgh.
The NL MVP opened the game with a double to right-center field against Martín Pérez. During a stolen base attempt against Marcell Ozuna, Acuña’s left knee gave out as he approached third base. Acuña remained down for some minutes while being treated, pointing to his left leg before walking out under his strength.
Braves Star Ronald Acuña Jr. To Miss The Rest Of The Season After Tearing His Left ACL
The Braves’ first diagnosis was left knee discomfort. But the team said Sunday night that an MRI revealed a full ACL injury, necessitating season-ending surgery.
Acuña ruptured his right ACL on July 20, 2021. Wearing a brace in the clubhouse following Sunday’s victory, the 26-year-old outfielder said his injury felt less severe.
“I don’t feel any pain, pop, or anything. “Don’t think it’s that bad,” Acuña stated.
Acuña anticipated catcher Joey Bart’s sluggish throw back to the mound while attempting to take third base. The toss was tougher than intended, resulting in a quick turn back to second with his knee twisting.
Braves Star Ronald Acuña Jr. To Miss The Rest Of The Season After Tearing His Left ACL
Acuña is batting 250 with four home runs and 15 RBIs in 49 games. Last season, the four-time All-Star hit 337 with 41 home runs and 106 RBIs, his career high.
Atlanta was already without All-Star right-hander Spencer Strider, who underwent internal brace surgery on April 13 to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. Third baseman Austin Riley is day-to-day with a left intercostal strain, while catcher Sean Murphy is still on the 10-day disabled list with an oblique ailment sustained on opening day.
Braves Star Ronald Acuña Jr. To Miss The Rest Of The Season After Tearing His Left ACL
“It’s just something that everybody goes through,” Snitker stated before Acuña’s MRI results were published. “We have been through this before. Personally, I despise it because it disproportionately affects young males. These boys enjoy playing the game. When something bad occurs to those guys, I feel worse for them than for us.”
SOURCE – (AP)
