Sad News:He can’t play again,Braves Doctors confirm end of season for Ronald Acuna Jr due to

Ronald Acuña Jr. will not play any more games in 2024.

 

The Atlanta Braves right fielder sustained a severe injury during

Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park, tearing the ACL in his left knee. This injury necessitates

surgery and a lengthy, uncertain rehabilitation period before the reigning MVP can return to full strength.

Acuña had a relatively slow start in 2024 by his high standards. His 110 wRC+ was

above league average, but significantly lower than his 170 wRC+ in 2023. Likewise, his 16 stolen bases (third-most

in the NL) were impressive, but considerably fewer than his 73 steals from the previous year.

Despite this, the four-time All-Star was on pace for a 3.9-WAR season, according to FanGraphs, and it seemed likely his performance would have improved. Even in a less stellar year, Acuña remains one of the game’s top players.

 

Now, unfortunately, baseball fans in Atlanta and worldwide will miss out on seeing his talent for the remainder of the season.

 

Acuña played only 47 games in 2020 due to a minor wrist injury and the pandemic-shortened schedule. In 2021, a right ACL tear ended his season in July. Although he returned for most of 2022, he was not at full strength as he continued recovering from knee surgery.

 

At his best, Acuña is a transformative talent. His 2023 MVP season was one of the most remarkable in recent memory. However, he has had limited chances to showcase his full abilities.

 

Acuña’s injury is a significant loss for the sport, but it’s especially devastating for the Braves. As June approaches, Atlanta finds itself in second place in the NL East, six games behind the Philadelphia Phillies.

 

The Braves were heavy favorites in the division at the start of the season, and they might still be the best team on paper. Nonetheless, a six-game gap nearly a third into the season is substantial. The team can stage a comeback, but it will be more challenging without Acuña and ace Spencer Strider.

 

Jarred Kelenic and Adam Duvall, who were previously sharing duties in left field, will likely become the full-time corner outfielders. Duvall, the more seasoned outfielder, is expected to take over in right field, though Kelenic’s strong throwing arm might be a better substitute for Acuña’s powerful arm.

 

Ultimately, it’s unrealistic to talk about anyone “replacing” Acuña. It simply can’t be done.

 

Barring any setbacks, Ronald Acuña Jr. should be ready to play by the start of the 2025 season. His previous ACL tear sidelined him for nine and a half months, which would have him returning next March.

 

However, predicting when he will return to his former self is difficult. Healthy knees are crucial for base stealing, home runs, and powerful throws. If his underwhelming performance in 2022 is any indication, we might not see the real Acuña again until 2026.

 

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