Atlanta Braves key player suffers season-ending knee injury

Ronald Acuña Jr., the National League MVP, will miss the rest of the Major League Baseball season after tearing an anterior cruciate knee ligament on Sunday.

The Venezuelan great outfielder led off the Atlanta Braves’ game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a double. During an effort to steal third base, Acuña tumbled to the ground after his left knee gave way while changing direction. He remained there for a few minutes before standing up and limping off the field.

Acuña subsequently stated, “I noticed the catcher throwing the ball back to the pitcher very slowly.” I was timing it so I could steal third. But he threw it hard enough that I had to return, and that’s when I felt it.”

Sorry💔😪

— Ronald Acuña Jr. (@ronaldacunajr24) May 27, 2024

According to the Braves, the 26-year-old suffered “a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee”. He had the same season-ending injury to his right knee halfway through the 2021 season.

Since earning the 2018 National League Rookie of the Year award, Acuña has been a key player for the Braves. In 2023, he won the National League MVP award after becoming the first player to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a season.

In addition to his success in Atlanta, Acuña helped Venezuela win all four group games in the 2023 WBSC World Baseball Classic. The team lost 9-7 to eventual runners-up United States in the quarterfinals. He is almost expected to be on their next World Baseball Classic roster in 2026.