Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Atlanta Braves Suffer Major Blow With Ronald Acuna Jr. Injury

Originally posted on Viral Sports News | By Kenneth Teape | Last updated May 27, 2024 12:22 PM ET

The injury bug has hit the Atlanta Braves hard during the 2024 season. Already without their ace starting pitcher Spencer Strider, they suffered another brutal blow this past weekend. All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. will now be joining him on the sideline for the remainder of the season.

On Sunday, he suffered a knee injury and tore his ACL. While running the bases, he crumbled to the ground between second and third base as his left knee buckled on an attempted delayed steal.

This is the second time in his career that Ronald Acuna Jr. suffered an ACL tear. Three years ago, he tore the ACL in his right knee while jumping to make a catch in right field. One of the best players in baseball, this is a huge blow for MLB fans and the Atlanta Braves.

OF Ronald Acuña Jr. tonight underwent an MRI that revealed a complete tear of the ACL in his left knee. He is set to undergo surgery at a date yet to be determined and will miss the remainder of the 2024 season.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 27, 2024

Coming into the season, the Atlanta Braves were among the favorites to win the World Series. In 2021, when Ronald Acuna Jr. injured his knee the first time, Atlanta barely qualified for the postseason but came away as World Series champions.

Through 49 games this season, he was not having the same MVP impact that he did in 2023. He was slashing only .250/.351/.365 with four home runs, 15 RBIs and 16 stolen bases. His defense has been a concern as well, as he has been regarded as below-average this season.

The Atlanta Braves are currently 30-20 on the season, tied for the seventh most wins in MLB. But, they are trailing the Philadelphia Phillies, who have the best record in baseball, by 6.0 games in the NL East race.

Despite his struggles compared to 2023, replacing Ronald Acuna Jr. will not be easy. It will take a total team effort from the Atlanta Braves, who have several players performing under their standard from recent seasons.

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

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