A rough way to start game two of the doubleheader for the Atlanta Braves as Ronald Acuna Jr had to leave the game after being hit on the shoulder by a pitch by Mets pitcher, Tylor Megill. He was replaced in the lineup by Kevin Pillar.
Ronald Acuña Jr. was hit with a high fastball on the first at-bat of the game and exits with an injury. pic.twitter.com/A8TZOn1Gp6
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 1, 2023
It was announced just a moment ago that Ronald left with a left shoulder contusion.
#Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. was removed from today’s game with a left shoulder contusion.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) May 1, 2023
Thankfully, it does not appear to be too serious at this moment. Hopefully, after some more monitoring, it is nothing that will keep Acuna out of action for long.
It comes in the first inning of the doubleheader. The Braves won game 1 9-8. Acuna played a big role in the win, going 3-5 with 3 runs, 1 RBI, and a massive home run that went into the third deck at Citi Field.
Ronald Acuña Jr. to the third deck at Citi Field. Goodness. pic.twitter.com/JjuA4yoIq6
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) May 1, 2023
It is a bummer than Acuna left with injury because he was finally healthy after tearing his ACL back in 2021. We were seeing the benefit of having a healthy Ronnie in the Braves lineup again, as he has arguably been the best player in baseball to start the season. His current line sits at .363/.450/.584 with 5 HR, 26 R, 15 RBI, 13 SB, a .445 wOBA, & 178 wRC+. He had been an elite player.
He has been setting the table at the top of the lineup with all the hits and walks, then stealing bases t get into scoring position. Recently, the power was starting to show back up with an increase in his launch angle. This was leading to more doubles and home runs like the one shown above.
Hopefully, it is nothing but a contusion and nothing else is found later. Maybe Ronald can ice the shoulder up and be ready to go either tomorrow or sometime again in Miami.
Get well Ronald.