Ronald Acuña was supposed to start in right field for the National League at today’s All-Star Game before suffering a torn ACL over the weekend, and it was a popular topic among fellows All-Stars, who attempted to offer words of encouragement to the 23-year-old superstar. His own teammate, Freddie Freeman, even got a little bit emotional when talking about the incident and what it means for the Braves.
"I don't know how to properly put it into words, losing a guy like that."
Freddie Freeman talks with @Ken_Rosenthal on how devastating it is losing Ronald Acuña Jr. for the season. pic.twitter.com/CUNmgt5VSO
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 12, 2021
You hate to say it because you know the rest of the group is going to give it their all in an attempt to pick up the slack left by Acuña’s absence, but you can hear it Freeman’s voice. He knows losing Acuña, along with the other players the Braves have been missing, may be too much to overcome, even if they only sit four games back with nearly half the season to play. But Freddie wasn’t the only Freeman to offer Acuña some condolences. Freddie’s son, Charlie, gave Acuña a hug when he found out the news about his torn ACL.
When Ronald Acuña learned about his torn ACL, Freddie Freeman’s son Charlie gave him a big hug. https://t.co/dD0BCG0QTL
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) July 12, 2021
Division rivals also took some time to wish Acuña a speedy recovery. Juan Soto, another young phenom in the NL East, had some kind words to say.
Asked Juan Soto about Acuña. “It’s tough seeing a play like that. He’s a superstar. It’s tough for the team and whole MLB. I hope he can get better soon.” #Braves
— Gabe Burns (@GabeBurnsAJC) July 12, 2021
Lastly, Braves legend and Hall-of-Famer, Chipper Jones, who has experience with with a torn ACL at a similar age, provided some insight to what it will be like returning to the field. “You are going to be fine,” Jones told The Atlanta Journal Constitution. Yes, it sucks that you’re going to miss a half of a year during the course of your career. I know you want to be out there for your teammates and your teammates want you out there. Hey, this is the reality. This is a speedbump. It’s not going to derail your career in any shape or form. It is a speedbump.”
There’s no sugarcoating it; this is a devastating injury to the Braves and the entire organization. The only thing we can hope for is that recovery goes smoothly. Thankfully, with modern technology, athletes can oftentimes come back even better from these severe injuries. However, if we’ve learned anything from Mike Soroka, it’s to not take anything for granted. Hopefully, surgery and rehab go marvelously for Acuña, and he and Soroka will both be on the field for the Braves at some point in 2022.
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