Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. out for season with torn left ACL

Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after an MRI revealed a complete torn ACL in his left knee, the team announced Sunday evening.

Acuña left the Atlanta Braves’ 8-1 win over the Pittsburgh Pirates in the first inning on Sunday after his left knee buckled while heading to third following a stolen base attempt following a doubled in the lead.

The reigning NL MVP remained on the ground for several minutes while he was treated, pointing at his left leg before walking off under his own power. The Braves’ initial diagnosis was left knee soreness.

Acuña, 26, was wearing a brace in the clubhouse Sunday night when he told reporters he expected to be on the 10-day injured list. That was before an MRI revealed the tear.

Acuña previously tore his right ACL on July 20, 2021, also a season-ending injury.

Acuña is hitting .250 with four homers and 15 RBIs in 49 games. The four-time All-Star hit a career-best .337 last season with 41 homers and 106 RBIs.

Atlanta is already missing All-Star right-hander Spencer Strider, whose season ended April 13 when he underwent surgery to repair the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. Third baseman Austin Riley is dealing with a day-to-day left intercostal strain and catcher Sean Murphy remains on the 10-day injured list with an oblique injury suffered on Opening Day.

The Braves said Acuña will undergo surgery at a date yet to be determined.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.