Credit: Brett Davis-Imagn Images

Ja Morant Shouts Out Ronaldo Acuna Jr's Grenade Celebration in 2nd Straight Game

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Amulya Shekhar | Last updated May 25, 2025 7:09 AM ET

Ronald Acuna Jr seems determined to script a fairytale return from injury troubles. The Atlanta Braves superstar has been away from the game for nearly a year after sustaining a second ACL tear on his left knee.

Acuna Jr signaled his intent by hitting a home run on the first pitch he faced after returning to the plate on Friday. He bettered himself on Saturday with a second home run in two days. Acuna's latest shot gave the Braves two RBIs in a 7-1 win over the Padres.

The 27-year-old marked the home run for his return game on Friday by hitting Ja Morant's latest grenade celebration. Acuna Jr did it again after hitting his second home run in two days against San Diego.

Morant was flattered by the celebration the first time Acuna Jr did it, acknowledging it on Twitter/X. He posted his appreciation for Acuna Jr yet again after the Braves right fielder repeated the feat on Saturday.

https://t.co/J69Xvs0hnX
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) May 25, 2025

Morant had been fined by the NBA for using fingers guns to celebrate earlier in the regular season due to his background of carrying and displaying guns in public spaces - an act that the league had already penalized him for in 2023.

Morant had then switched his celebration to tossing a grenade in the crowd. When asked for an explanation of his new celebration, Morant coyly described it as taking the criticism he's been hearing and throwing it out of his brain. However, few people took this explanation at face value.

There are a few parallels between Acuna Jr and Morant's careers. Both were precocious young talents who were predicted to be on the fast track to legend status. Both have had injuries derailing their productive careers.

Acuna Jr, just like Morant, has often been downplayed as a player due to his outspoken, enthusiastic nature. Even though Acuna Jr's won a championship and had more postseason success, his path is similar.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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