Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. Suffers Season-Ending ACL Tear in Left Knee

Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. will miss the remainder of the 2024 season after a recent MRI revealed a complete tear of the ACL in his left knee. The injury occurred during the team’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, marking a devastating blow for the Braves.

Acuña, who had previously torn the ACL in his right knee in 2021, exited the game early on Sunday with what was initially described as left knee soreness. However, the subsequent MRI confirmed the extent of the damage, signaling the end of his season.

Despite this setback, the Braves managed to secure a notable victory in the same game, with Chris Sale delivering a stellar performance on the mound and Matt Olson providing key offensive contributions.

The injury comes at a challenging time for the Braves, as they were preparing to welcome back Sean Murphy and Austin Riley to the lineup after their own respective injuries. Murphy had been sidelined since Opening Day with a strained left oblique, while Riley had been out with a tight left side.

Acuña’s departure from the game on Sunday sparked immediate concern as he fell to the ground clutching his knee after attempting a stolen base. This marks another unfortunate chapter in Acuña’s injury history, further compounded by his previous ACL tear.

Braves manager Brian Snitker expressed his disappointment over Acuña’s latest injury, highlighting the impact it has not just on the team but also on the individual player’s passion for the game.

Throughout the season, Acuña had been facing challenges on the field, with his performance not reaching the high standards he had set in previous seasons. Despite this, his absence will undoubtedly be felt by the team as they navigate the rest of the season without their star player.