For fans looking for baseball history, you may be disappointed. Though Ronald Acuna Jr. had a great shot to be the youngest 40/40 player of all-time, the team will be cautious with the hip injury he sustained and he will sit out the rest of the regular season in hopes he will be 100% for the playoffs.
#Braves are shutting down Ronald Acuña for the rest of the regular season. Snit said the team wants to play it safe and expects him to be ready to go next Thursday for Game One of the NLDS.
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) September 25, 2019
It goes without saying that the Braves’ first victorious playoff series in nearly two decades takes priority over accolades. This was the smart move as he will have nine days to rest. But it is certainly disappointing that Ronald will not be able to capture the achievement… at least this year. According to David O’ Brien of the Athletic, it is a groin strain:
#Braves’ Acuña has a left groin strain — that’s the official diagnosis. Also sore in hip area, which is what they initially thought was the issue.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) September 25, 2019
On the contrary, the Braves have gotten good news regarding Freddie Freeman:
Snit says Freddie Freeman continues to respond well to treatment back in Atlanta. He’s on track to return to the #Braves lineup on Friday in New York
— 680 The Fan (@680TheFan) September 25, 2019
Having these guys both at 100% or close to it will be essential in any type of Braves playoff run. It seems as if this should be the case next Thursday as the Braves will kick off the NLDS at home.