Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Ronald Acuña Jr. Sends Clear Message to Braves Following Viral Post

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Jake Elman | Last updated May 15, 2025 9:53 AM ET

We can say many things about Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., but the one thing we can’t do is accuse him of cowardice.

Acuña, who is currently rehabbing from a torn left ACL that ended his 2024 season prematurely, spent time with teammates at Truist Park on Wednesday. The 2023 NL MVP also spoke with reporters and acknowledged a controversial April 20 social media post subtly criticizing manager Brian Snitker, who didn’t pull outfielder Jarred Kelenic for failing to run out a fly ball.

Conversely, Snitker pulled Acuña from a game in 2019 for his own lack of hustle.

“If it were me, they would take me out of the game,” Acuña wrote on X/Twitter following the Kelenic incident.

Acuña told reporters that he addressed the now-deleted post with the Braves, including Snitker, ahead of Wednesday’s 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals.

“I was in the wrong,” Acuña told reporters, according to The Athletic. “I shouldn’t have done that.

“But thankfully, I was able to apologize to Snit man-to-man, to his face,” the three-time Silver Slugger added. “I was able to apologize to my teammates, and now we’re just turning the page and moving on.”

Acuña said he asked for Snitker’s forgiveness, which the four-time All-Star seemingly received. Snitker praised Acuña, saying it “takes a lot” to accept responsibility and apologize.

“I think it was good for him to do that,” Snitker said. “It takes a lot to do something like that.”

It is unclear if Acuña has spoken with Kelenic, who the Braves demoted to Triple-A Gwinnett last month.

The Braves have not announced a projected return timetable for Acuña, who resumes his rehab assignment Thursday at Gwinnett. Acuña returned to the field Tuesday and homered in the Florida Complex Rookie League.

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

More must-reads: