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The Atlanta Braves know exactly what to expect once Ronald Acuña Jr. returns for the regular season after missing Spring Training to play in the World Baseball Classic. The biggest thing for Acuña during the tournament has been simply enjoying the opportunity to play for Team Venezuela. Meanwhile, Atlanta’s new manager Walt Weiss already has a good idea of where he plans to slot Acuña in the lineup this season.
“When that lineup turns over, man, I want it to be a gauntlet. It starts with Ronald (Acuña Jr.) and it’s tough to catch your breath. That’s the plan,” Weiss said.
Acuña has been in the leadoff spot for the entirety of Venezuela’s WBC run so far, serving as the team’s spark plug. He will look to continue that role as Venezuela heads into the championship game against the United States national baseball team. Acuña knows how special this matchup will be.
“USA’s got a really good team, we have a really good team, too,” Acuña said. “Let’s see what happens tomorrow.”
Playing for his home country in the WBC and then returning to play for his MLB club are two very different experiences. That distinction has been made clear throughout the tournament, and Acuña reiterated it after punching his ticket to the WBC final.
“This is No. 1 for me in my career. I love Atlanta a lot, but before I played in Atlanta, I was born in Venezuela. Venezuela made Ronald Acuña Jr,” Acuña said.
That raw emotion is a hallmark of what the WBC represents for players — a level of pride and passion that is distinct from the MLB season. Although Acuña has grown up as a cornerstone of the Braves’ lineup, Venezuela remains home above all else.
The matchup between the United States and Venezuela is shaping up to be one for the ages, with USA sending Nolan McLean to the mound, which could play into Acuña’s favor as one of the best leadoff hitters in the world.
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