Ronald Acuña, a standout for Atlanta Braves and Venezuela, sustains a knee injury that ends his season.
After rupturing his anterior cruciate knee ligament on Sunday, Ronald Acuña Jr., the MVP of the National League, will miss the remainder of the Major League Baseball season.
The talented outfielder from Venezuela opened the Atlanta Braves’ series against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a double. Acuña attempted to steal third base, but as he changed direction, his left knee gave out, causing him to fall to the ground. After standing there for a few minutes, he ultimately got up and hobbled off the field.
“I saw the catcher throw the ball back to the pitcher very sluggish,” Acuña subsequently stated. In order to steal third, I was timing that. However, he threw it hard at that very moment, so I had to turn around, and that’s when I felt it.”
The 26-year-old has “a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee,” according to the Braves. Midway through the 2021 season, he sustained the same right knee injury that ended the season.
Acuña has been a Braves fixture since winning the 2018 National League Rookie of the Year award. He became the first player in history to record 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in a season in 2023, when he was named the National League MVP.
In addition to his achievements in Atlanta, Acuña was instrumental in Venezuela’s four group game victories at the 2023 WBSC World Baseball Classic. In the quarterfinals, the team lost 9–7 to the eventual runners-up, the United States. He will most likely be on their roster for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Braves supporters respond to the injury news of Ronald Acuña Jr.
ATLANTA — Braves supporters are closely monitoring Ronald Acuña Jr., the reigning NL MVP, following his season-ending injury sustained in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates. During the game, Acuña landed awkwardly on his left leg.
When Acuña expected catcher Joey Bart to throw slowly back to the mound, he was looking to take third. Unexpectedly hard was the toss, and he suddenly twisted his leg to return to second.
Fans expressed confidence in the Braves despite the injury. For the remainder of the season and against the Washington Nationals, many predict that the squad will play well. But on Memorial Day, the Braves fell short, 8–4.
According to Matthew Sullentrop, the squad will suffer long-term consequences due to Acuña’s absence. However, he believes the remainder of the team has enough potential to win some games in the current series against the Washington Nationals.
He expressed what many fans felt when he added, “Washington is still suffering, therefore I think the Braves got the series.”
Linda Teribury continued, “The Nationals have never been one of our biggest competitors.”
Though clearly concerning, Braves supporters are optimistic about Acuña’s quick recuperation and continue to have faith in the team’s depth and resiliency.
Although the fans will mourn the reigning MVP, they will have faith in the other players to rise up in his place.
OF After having an MRI tonight, Ronald Acuña Jr.’s left knee’s ACL was completely torn. He will miss the rest of the 2024 season due to surgery, which is scheduled for a later date.
