The Atlanta Braves and Baltimore Orioles will play again on Friday at Spring Training. Ronald Acuna Jr. was supposed to perform more reps at first, but that was altered just after midday.
The Braves have pulled the reigning National League MVP from the starting lineup, citing a sore right knee as a precaution, according to David O’Brien of X.
As spring training games are essentially exhibitions, it makes no sense to risk injury when a player’s health is even slightly uncertain. In this instance, though, it might give some Braves fans pause.
The scary Ronald Acuna Jr. injury scare during spring training
Acuna Jr. just finished an incredible season in which he swiped more than 70 bases. He really hit full speed in 2023. The same knee that was injured in 2021 due to an ACL tear is now hurting. Fans will understandably hold their breath and wonder if this choice has deeper implications.
When the excellent Braves training team tells us that this is a precaution, we can believe them. Many players experience soreness around this time of year. While players do continue to practice during the off-season prior to the start of Spring Training, it is impossible to fully prepare the body for what is required in a real game.
Acuna most likely just needs some rest because her right knee is sore after her usage this spring. The entire Atlanta Braves organization has stated unequivocally that winning the World Series is the only thing that will suffice in 2024. As everyone knows, Ronald Acuna Jr. will need to play a major role in the Braves’ success in order for Atlanta to reach this objective.
This news should not cause you to worry or become frightened. If a player reports any kind of discomfort thus early in Spring Training, the Braves will make sure to take the necessary steps to ensure that every member of the team is healthy going into the 2024 regular season.
