KANSAS CITY — Ronald Acuña Jr., star of the Atlanta Braves and National League MVP in 2023, was removed from Tuesday’s game against the Royals due to discomfort in his right Achilles tendon. The outfielder left Kauffman Stadium limping and with a walking boot, visibly affected, and confirmed that he will be placed on the injured list while awaiting an MRI that will be performed.
“I think [the Achilles] definitely got worse today,” Acuña stated with concern. “I told them yesterday and everyone said to rest, but I’ve lost so much time to injuries that I didn’t want to lose any more.”
The Venezuelan, who has already dealt with serious injuries in both knees in previous seasons, felt the first discomfort when scoring from first base in Monday’s game. Despite this, he insisted on playing on Tuesday. It was in the sixth inning when he showed clearer signs of discomfort when trying to field a foul ball and, subsequently, a double by Vinnie Pasquantino. Although he briefly returned to his position, he had to be replaced by Eli White after showing signs of pain.
Muy malas noticias 💔😩
Ronald Acuña Jr fue sustituido mientras cubría los jardines en la 6ta entrada por unas molestias en el tendón de Aquiles, y según reportes de David Bowman, fue visto caminando con una bota ortopédica y es muy probable que sea colocado en lista de… pic.twitter.com/ftwLPB3NC7
The manager Brian Snitker explained that, although the preliminary diagnosis does not point to a break, the team will act with caution. “The doctor said it would probably be at least 10 days,” he commented. “It’s one of those things you don’t want to risk.”
Acuña, who debuted this season on May 23 after recovering from his second anterior cruciate ligament surgery, has had an outstanding performance: he is batting .306 with 14 home runs and an OPS of 1.006 in 55 games. However, the concern about a possible relapse is evident in both the player and the team.
For now, the Braves and their fans cautiously await the results of the medical examinations to determine the severity of the situation and the estimated recovery time.
“I think [the Achilles] definitely got worse today,” Acuña stated with concern. “I told them yesterday and everyone said to rest, but I’ve lost so much time to injuries that I didn’t want to lose any more.”
The Venezuelan, who has already dealt with serious injuries in both knees in previous seasons, felt the first discomfort when scoring from first base in Monday’s game. Despite this, he insisted on playing on Tuesday. It was in the sixth inning when he showed clearer signs of discomfort when trying to field a foul ball and, subsequently, a double by Vinnie Pasquantino. Although he briefly returned to his position, he had to be replaced by Eli White after showing signs of pain.
