Regarding NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury, the Atlanta Braves have released an update. After seeing the 26-year-old outfielder in Los Angeles, Dr. Neal ElAttrache verified that Acuña’s right knee was irritated, as reported by the Atlanta Braves.
As to Braves beat reporter Justin Toscano, Acuña was out on March 1st because of right knee pain.
After the superstar outfielder was evaluated, an MRI revealed inflammation in his meniscus, which prompted the decision to consult a physician in Los Angeles, according to Toscano.
Anuña’s Reentry Schedule
The Braves are choosing to proceed cautiously with Acuña, even if his absence from the starting lineup on March 1 was a precaution. The team will progressively raise his baseball activities in the lead-up to Opening Day, but they expect him to be ready.
Mark Bowman of MLB.com reports that Acuña told reporters, “I feel like I can play today.” “Every day, I can play.” However, I report to a boss. I will play as soon as they say I can.
Although the outfielder believes he is ready to play, the Braves’ concern is understandable. When Acuña first injured the same knee in 2021, his season was over. Dr. Neal ElAttrache operated on Acuña’s knee, and the Braves went on to win the World Series.
The Significance of Acuña in the Braves’ Triumph
After winning the National League MVP award in 2023, Acuña had a remarkable season. The slugger turned in a.337/.416/.596 line. Acuña became the first player to be inducted into the 40/70 club in MLB history. According to MLB.com, no other player who had stolen 70 bases had ever hit the 30-home run milestone.
In 2023, Acuña led a revolutionary offensive. Even though Matt Olson, Austin Riley, and other Braves studs had fantastic seasons, Acuña ended up winning MVP.
The Braves lead the league in home runs and on-base percentage, so they have no shortage of powerful hitters at the plate. On the basepaths, Acuña has the special power to alter the course of a game. Over half of the 132 bases that the Braves stole during the previous season were thanks to Acuña. Acuña also finished first on the team in doubles and second in triples, behind only Ozzie Albies.
Acuña reached a career-high in games played in 2023. The Braves must ensure that Acuña is in optimal health if they intend to have him man the outfield on a daily basis in 2024. If Acuña experiences any knee pain when the season begins, his utilization will probably be something to watch. The Braves may decide to be more careful in 2024, given he only had two appearances as a DH in the previous season.
The Braves’ cautious approach with Acuña is probably a result of their forward-thinking nature. Acuña inked an 8-year, $100 million contract deal with the Braves in 2019, but he intends to stay in Atlanta much longer. Given its superstar’s long-term health and availability, the squad is unlikely to take any chances.
Through an interpreter, Acuña reportedly stated, “It’s not a secret I want to be a Brave for life,” according to Bowman. “Hopefully, we can make that happen soon, and I hope I can stay here forever.”