Braves' Brian Snitker Announces Ronald Acuna Jr. Update After Removal From Lineup

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin Groe | Last updated Sep 5, 2025 4:41 PM ET

The Atlanta Braves (63–77) are in the midst of a lost season, but the core remains intact led by superstar Ronald Acuna Jr., and the organization has its sights set on a quick rebound heading into 2026 after recently picking up infielder Ha-Seong Kim off waivers from the Tampa Bay Rays.

Although the Braves are far outside postseason contention, it’s been a relief for fans to watch Acuna play, given the substantial time he’s missed in his eight-year career recovering from injuries — most notably two ACL tears.

The 27-year-old right fielder has appeared in 74 games this season, posting a .275 batting average, .400 on-base percentage, .894 OPS, 15 home runs and 31 RBIs, while primarily operating as the team’s third hitter in the batting order after Austin Riley underwent season-ending core surgery.

Ronald Acuna Jr. Update

Ahead of Atlanta’s series opener on Friday against the Seattle Mariners, Acuna was notably absent from the lineup, with Jake Fraley starting in right field.

Manager Brian Snitker explained pregame that it was a scheduled day off for Acuna, and it would have come sooner had Fraley (toe injury) or Jurickson Profar (paternity list) been available earlier in the week on Wednesday, according to Atlanta Braves Radio Network's Barrett Sallee.

Braves manager Brian Snitker says that it’s just an off day for OF Ronald Acuña Jr. He wanted to do it on Wednesday vs. the Cubs, but he was “runnnin’ out of outfielders” with Profar on paternity leave and Fraley out after fouling a ball off of his toe.
— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) September 5, 2025

This isn’t a surprise, as Acuna has struggled to get his bat going recently. Since returning from a calf strain, he hasn’t performed to his usual standard. In 29 games during the second half of the season, Acuna is batting just .202 with a .693 OPS and only eight extra-base hits.

While his first-half numbers show his season has still been strong overall, Snitker’s decision to give him a breather may have been well-timed.

Regardless of his recent slump, there’s little concern about Acuna’s long-term outlook. His resume includes an NL Rookie of the Year, NL MVP, five All-Star selections and three Silver Sluggers — and he’s still just 27 years old.

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

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