The Atlanta Braves just cannot catch a break.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is headed back to the 10-day injured list with a left hamstring strain after leaving Tuesday’s game against the Chicago White Sox. Acuña came up limping while trying to beat out a throw at first base, and an MRI confirmed another Grade 1 strain.
That is the scary part. It is the same hamstring that already sent him to the IL earlier this season.
Braves manager Walt Weiss said the injury is “not terrible,” but serious enough that Atlanta could not afford to wait around short-handed. He also said it may not be as severe as the previous strain, but Acuña still needs time.
For the Braves, this is brutal timing. Atlanta has been one of the best teams in baseball despite injuries, but losing Acuña again changes the feel of the lineup. Even when he has not been fully himself, his speed, power and presence at the top of the order completely changes how teams pitch to Atlanta.
Acuña has hit .251 with a .793 OPS, seven home runs and 15 stolen bases in 52 games this season, while dealing with the hamstring issue and a left thumb bone bruise.
The Braves are still loaded. Matt Olson, Ozzie Albies, Michael Harris II and the rest of the lineup can keep them afloat. The pitching staff has also been good enough to carry stretches. But Acuña is the guy who raises Atlanta’s ceiling from contender to World Series favorite.
This is not panic time, but it is definitely frustration time.
The Braves have survived injuries all season. Now they have to do it again without their most electric player.
