Atlanta Braves fans received concerning news as All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has been placed on the injured list due to Achilles inflammation in his right leg. The injury occurred just a day after Acuña left Tuesday's game against the Kansas City Royals early.
The Braves quickly announced the diagnosis following Acuña's exit. Manager Brian Snitker confirmed that Acuña would be placed on the 10-day injured list. He was seen wearing a walking boot after the game, raising further concerns about the severity of the injury.
According to MLB.com's Mark Bowman, an MRI revealed a Grade 1 calf strain. This relatively mild diagnosis suggests that Acuña could potentially return to the Braves lineup within 2-3 weeks. This news offers a glimmer of hope amidst the initial worry.
Acuña's discomfort became apparent in the sixth inning of Tuesday's game. A fly ball hit by Kansas City's Vinnie Pasquantino landed just beyond Acuña's reach, resulting in a ground-rule RBI double that extended the Royals' lead to 9-3. Acuña jogged off the field with a trainer, heading straight to the Braves clubhouse.
The Royals ultimately secured a 9-6 victory. Reports from the game indicate that Acuña had been experiencing discomfort even before the play that led to his departure. Speaking through an interpreter, Acuña revealed that he initially sustained the injury while running from first to home the previous night. He admitted to playing through the pain, hoping to avoid missing more time due to injuries.
"I think it definitely got worse today," Acuña said. "I told them yesterday, and everyone said, 'Hey, take the day if you want it. You can take the day off,' but I've just missed so much time through injuries, I don't want to miss any more time."
This latest setback adds to a history of leg injuries for Acuña. He has previously suffered ACL tears in both knees – the right in 2021 and the left in 2024. Despite these challenges, Acuña has achieved significant success, including winning the 2023 MVP Award. The Braves and their fans are undoubtedly hoping for a speedy recovery and a return to form for their star outfielder.