It took 2 games for Braves to risk a crippling mistake with Ronald Acuña Jr.
The Braves are taking an avoidable risk with Ronald Acuña Jr.
Ronald Acuña Jr. hadn’t played in MLB for a year when he stepped to the plate against the San Diego Padres on Friday. It didn’t matter, as Acuña jumped on the first pitch he saw and hit it over the fence. It was an electric moment that even gave his own teammates chills. The former NL MVP backed that up with a hit and 2 RBIs on Saturday as well. However, as great as it is to have Acuña Jr. back in the lineup on a regular basis, the Braves have gone back on their word.
Brian Snitker in particular hoped to be careful with Acuña Jr.’s playing time. The Braves don’t have the deepest outfield in baseball, but they cannot afford to play games with Acuña Jr.’s health. Snitker acknowledged how tough of an adjustment it can be to return to the highest level of competition after a year off.
“I’m glad that he’s getting off the ground good, because that’s tough when you haven’t played in a year. I don’t care how many at-bats you got in the minor leagues or how many (training) complex at-bats you got. This is a different animal up here with the people, the energy, the quality of play. So it’s good that the kid could come back after that and hit the ground running,” Snitker said.
