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MLB Announces Change After Ronald Acuna Jr. Injury News

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Gavin M. Groe | Last updated Jul 11, 2025 8:33 PM ET

Superstar right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is in his eighth major-league season as an Atlanta Brave after making his MLB debut in 2018 and winning National League Rookie of the Year.

Since then, he has established himself as one of baseball’s most exhilarating talents despite missing significant time due to ACL injuries on both knees.

After suffering his first tear in July 2021 in his right knee, Acuna returned to post an NL MVP performance in 2023, becoming the first player in MLB history to steal 70 bases and hit 40 home runs in a single season.

Now, in 2025, fresh off a second ACL tear in his left knee, Acuna has dominated once again—homering on the very first pitch he saw in his first at-bat in nearly a year.

Last week, Acuna earned his fifth All-Star selection and announced he would compete in the Home Run Derby.

However, after injuring his lower back and missing Tuesday’s game against the Athletics, MLB announced that first baseman Matt Olson will replace Acuna in the Derby.

Matt Olson will replace his Braves teammate Ronald Acuña Jr. in the 2025 @TMobile #HRDerby. pic.twitter.com/Kd94fwh3tP
— MLB (@MLB) July 11, 2025

Through 42 games this year, Acuna has already smashed 11 home runs, adding to a career that includes two 40-plus home run seasons in both 2019 and 2023.

Olson, in his tenth major-league season and fourth with the Braves, also offers elite power—he’s hit 17 home runs so far in 2025 and led MLB with 54 long balls in 2023.

With Acuna sidelined for the Derby, it remains uncertain whether he’ll still participate in the All-Star Game or instead prioritize getting fully healthy for the second half. Atlanta is enduring a disappointing season thus far at 40-52, sitting 10.0 games out of a playoff spot as the All-Star break approaches.

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

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