AUG. 12: Acuna missed the Braves’ loss to the Yankees on Wednesday, and manager Brian Snitker said he’ll sit out their series against the Marlins from Friday to Sunday, per Bowman. Acuna is dealing with inflammation.
AUG. 11: The Braves made outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. a late scratch before their game against the Yankees on Tuesday because of left wrist discomfort. He’ll undergo further evaluation in New York on Wednesday, Mark Bowman of MLB.com tweets.
Acuna attributes this injury to a recent slide, per Bowman, and it’s not yet clear whether it’s serious. Regardless, it’s obvious Acuna isn’t someone the Braves can do without for long – especially during a 60-game season. The all-world 22-year-old had his best game of the campaign Sunday, a 4-for-4, two-home run rampage against the Phillies which drove up his numbers after an early season slump. In all, Acuna has slashed .258/.372/.515 (145 wRC+) with four homers in 78 plate appearances.
The Acuna-less Braves went with an outfield alignment of Adam Duvall, Ender Inciarte and Marcell Ozuna in their series-opening loss to the Yankees. They also have Nick Markakis and Austin Riley on hand if Acuna misses time, but losing him would be a nightmare scenario for a Braves club that’s already shorthanded. Mike Soroka, Cole Hamels, Ozzie Albies and Chris Martin rank as the most prominent members of the team who are currently on the injured list.