Ronald Acuña Jr. leaves game in pain as Braves face nervous wait

The Atlanta Braves received an injury scare involving one of their biggest stars Tuesday night when Ronald Acuña Jr. was forced to leave the game against the Cincinnati Reds.

Acuña exited in the third inning after fouling a ball that ricocheted off his left leg. The ball struck an area between his shin and calf, narrowly missing the protection provided by his bright yellow shin guard.

The 28-year-old initially attempted to walk off the pain but eventually went to the ground. Acuña was able to leave the field under his own power while accompanied by a trainer and Braves manager Walt Weiss before heading into the tunnel for further evaluation.

Braves avoid worst-case scenario 

Atlanta later announced that X-rays were negative and diagnosed Acuña with a bruised shin. He is considered day to day.

Brewer Hicklen replaced Acuña at the plate and completed the at-bat, eventually flying out.

While the initial diagnosis provides some relief for Atlanta, the timing makes any injury involving Acuña particularly concerning. The postseason is only one week away, and the Braves would prefer to enter October with one of baseball’s most dangerous offensive players healthy and available.

Acuña has been playing some of his best baseball of the season over the past several weeks.

After Weiss gave him a day off on Aug. 27, Acuña responded with an impressive offensive stretch. Since returning to the lineup Aug. 28, he has hit .368 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs.

He also reached another career milestone by recording his third season with at least 20 home runs and 20 stolen bases.

Injuries have already interrupted Acuña’s season. He has spent two separate stretches on the injured list because of strains to his left hamstring, contributing to him missing 49 games.

That history makes Atlanta’s cautious approach particularly important.

For now, the Braves appear to have avoided a significant injury. With the playoffs approaching quickly, however, Acuña’s availability will remain one of Atlanta’s biggest storylines over the final days of the regular season.

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