MIAMI. – Venezuelan Ronald Acuña Jr. left Thursday’s game between the Atlanta Braves and the Miami Marlins as a precautionary measure after experiencing discomfort in his left thumb, just three days after returning from the injured list.
The Atlanta star left the game after the fifth inning, after being seen talking to the trainers while constantly examining his left hand before briefly returning to the field.
He was later replaced in right field by Eli White.
Before leaving, Acuña had an outstanding offensive performance, going 2-for-3, including a single to open the game and a two-run RBI groundout.
The encounter also marked just his second game back in defensive action, after previously serving as a designated hitter during the series.
Waiting for Cole
Meanwhile, in New York, the New York Yankees are fine-tuning details for the expected return of right-hander Gerrit Cole, who will pitch again in the Major Leagues this Friday against the Tampa Bay Rays after an absence of 569 days.
Cole, Cy Young Award winner, assured he felt ready to compete again after completing his rehabilitation process, in which he even reached speeds close to 100 miles per hour.
“What I look forward to most is competing again on the highest stage,” said the pitcher.
Yankees Face Important Decisions
The New York team is also going through several important internal movements, especially at shortstop, where the Panamanian José Caballero gained more prominence before suffering a fracture in a finger of his right hand.
His injury allowed Anthony Volpe to return as a starter, now leaving the Yankees with a difficult decision on how to split playing time when Caballero is medically cleared.
Manager Aaron Boone acknowledged that Caballero has earned an important role within the team thanks to his defense and offensive production.
In parallel, Jazz Chisholm Jr. is going through a good offensive moment using a curious method: wearing looser pants borrowed from Giancarlo Stanton, who continues to recover from a calf injury.
On the other hand, catcher Austin Wells acknowledged going through a complicated offensive moment, although he maintains his focus on contributing defensively behind the plate.
Finally, the Yankees continue to evaluate solutions to strengthen a bullpen that has shown signs of inconsistency in recent weeks, especially after irregular performances by relievers such as David Bednar and the Dominican Camilo Doval.
