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The Atlanta Braves are anxiously awaiting updates on their standout outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who is currently grappling with a thumb injury.
During the fifth inning of Thursday’s commanding 9-3 victory over the Miami Marlins, the 28-year-old Acuña was noticeably delayed in taking the field. Subsequently, he exited the game and was replaced by Eli White in the outfield.
Broadcast footage captured Acuña gesturing towards his left thumb while communicating with Atlanta’s medical team outside the dugout. He seemed to have difficulty closing his hand before returning to the field.
The Braves later posted on X that Acuña was sidelined due to “pain in his left thumb.”
Fortunately, X-rays revealed no fractures, and as reported by The Athletic, the reigning 2023 NL MVP is considered day-to-day.
Acuña has already missed time this year, being placed on the injured list at the beginning of May due to a hamstring strain.
He wound up sidelined for roughly two weeks, with Tuesday’s game against the Marlins being his first game back since he suffered his injury on May 2.
While on the field, Acuña has experienced a slow start compared to previous years, posting a modest slash line of .252/.364/.378 with just two home runs through 36 games.
“He just hasn’t found that consistency where he gets rolling, but it will be loud when he does… He’s getting really close,” Braves manager Walt Weiss told reporters in April. “Our offense has been really good, and we can dream big if Ronald gets rolling, it will be fun to watch.”
Injuries have plagued Acuña’s career since his 2023 campaign, playing in 95 games last year and just 49 games in 2024.
The five-time All-Star tore his ACL in May 2024, causing him to miss the remainder of the season, along with the start of 2025.
Acuña dealt with Achilles tightness during the 2025 season, causing him to miss roughly three weeks at the start of August.
The Braves sit atop the NL East with a 35-16 record following Thursday’s win.