Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. to go on IL after knee injury vs. Pirates; Will have an MRI

Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. told reporters he will be placed on the injured list after leaving Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

While the Braves announced he left the game due to left knee soreness, Acuña will undergo an MRI on Sunday to determine the severity of the injury.

The reigning National League MVP when he makes a break for third base and quickly returns to second between pitches. He left the field under his own power but was visibly limping.

Acuña spoke about his injury after the match:

Acuña missed half the season in 2021 after tearing his ACL, and the injury seemingly had a corresponding impact on his performance the following year. His .413 slugging and 112 OPS+ in 2022 are both the lowest of his career over an entire campaign.

The 26-year-old hasn’t been his usual self in 2024. In 48 appearances, he had a .250/.351/.716 slash line along with four home runs, 15 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.

The Braves lead the National League wild-card race at 30-20, but trail the first-place Philadelphia Phillies by 6.5 games in the National League East.

Atlanta’s bid for a sixth straight division title after Spencer Strider underwent season-ending elbow surgery. The loss of Acuña will create obvious problems for the team despite the offensive depth they have.