In the midst of the Atlanta Braves' latest victory over their NL East rival, their cornerstone player reached an impressive milestone during the game. Ronald Acuna Jr. is beginning to swipe bases a little more frequently as he continues to distance himself from his 2024 knee injury.
His latest steal off the Mets was the 200th stolen base of his young career. Despite Acuna Jr.'s uptick in baserunning aggressiveness lately, one has to imagine the late great Rickey Henderson's 1,406 stolen base record is safe and sound for quite awhile. However, 200 steals for Ronald is quite an accomplishment. Here's to hoping a generational talent like Acuna can stay healthy so that fans can dream on what career HR/SB club he eventually ends his career in.
Former Brave Whit Merrifield calls it a career
The final big league team Whit Merrifield suited up for is now officially the Atlanta Braves. Merrifield announced his retirement on June 24th after a nine-year big league career. While most of his time in the majors was spent out in Kansas City with the Royals, Merrifield mentioned how honored he was to play for the Braves, his childhood team, before he called it quits.
Merrifield was a key cog and stabilized the Braves infield in 2024 after they were ravished by injuries. In his prime Merrifield was a menace on the basepaths as he led the American League in steals in three separate seasons. The former South Carolina Gamecock put together some final career numbers that are very respectable. Merrifield finishes with a career .280/.328/.413 slash line, 99 wRC+, 94 home runs, 218 stolen bases, and 19.8 fWAR.
Whit Merrifield has retired after nine seasons in baseball, his agency @WSM_Baseball announced. pic.twitter.com/anYenhlo5e
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) June 24, 2025
Michael Harris II exits game early, but Braves labeling him as day-to-day
Right in the middle of the Braves five-run late inning rally against the Mets bullpen was a hit by pitch to Michael Harris II. The Braves centerfielder stayed in the game for another inning, but when his spot in the order came back up, he was pinch-hit for with Stuart Fairchild.
Snitker described the Harris HBP as a stinger and that they expect the elbow to be fine. He also said that the club will evaluate him tomorrow before determining whether or not he can play. Regardless, it might be best to give the slumping Harris a couple days to clear his mind while he nurses his sore elbow. In the month of June, Harris owns just a .179 OBP and 25 wRC+.