Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr (13) reacts after hitting a lead off home run against the New York Mets during the first inning at Truist Park on June 18. Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

Ronald Acuna Jr. Set to Join Joe DiMaggio in Incredible All-Star Game History

Originally posted on Fastball on SI | By Brady Farkas | Last updated Jul 4, 2025 10:12 AM ET

After being voted in as an All-Star Game starter for the National League, Atlanta Braves' right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is set to join Hall of Famer Joe DiMaggio in some unique baseball history.

Per @OptaSTATS on social media:

Ronald Acuña Jr. made his season debut in the @Braves' 50th game. Now he is slated to start the All-Star Game.

The only other player in MLB history to start the All-Star Game despite not making his season debut until his team's 50th game or later was Joe DiMaggio in 1949.

Ronald Acuña Jr. made his season debut in the @Braves' 50th game. Now he is slated to start the All-Star Game.

The only other player in MLB history to start the All-Star Game despite not making his season debut until his team's 50th game or later was Joe DiMaggio in 1949. pic.twitter.com/rLRjjSsLMH
— OptaSTATS (@OptaSTATS) July 3, 2025

DiMaggio earned the start that year because of injury. As for Acuna, he's played just 37 games this season after recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered last season.

Despite his limited action so far in 2025, Acuna has put together a great stretch for the underwhelming Braves. He's hitting .344 with nine homers, 18 RBIs and four stolen bases.

The former National League MVP, Acuna is a career .292 hitter with 174 home runs. He hit 41 in that 2023 MVP season, a year in which he also stole 73 bases.

Still just 27 years old, Acuna is now a five-time All-Star. He's also a three-time Silver Slugger and a Rookie of the Year winner. He won a World Series with the Braves in 2021, though he was injured for the playoff run.

The Braves will be back in action on the July 4 holiday at 7:10 p.m. ET against the Baltimore Orioles. Former Braves hurler Charlie Morton (BAL) will pitch against Spencer Strider (ATL).

This article first appeared on Fastball on SI and was syndicated with permission.

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