Thu Mar 14 | 11:23 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Back In Lineup Thursday |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) is slated to return to Grapefruit League action on Thursday against the Tampa Bay Rays. The reigning MVP will serve as the designated hitter and bat in his usual leadoff spot in his first spring game back after he experienced soreness in his right knee last week. Obviously, this is a welcome development, and hopefully he'll come away from the game without any soreness. Assuming so, he should continue to be the top overall pick in fantasy drafts with his unrivaled production across all categories. |
Source: Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Mar 11 | 14:05 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Takes BP Again, Says Knee Is Fine |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) took live batting practice again in camp on Monday and said his knee is fine. Manager Brian Snitker said that he's just waiting on the team's medical staff to clear the reigning National League MVP to resume playing in spring training. The Braves are understandably being cautious with the star outfielder's right knee, which was previously surgically repaired. Acuna isn't dealing with any structural damage this time around, though, so he should be fine for Opening Day on March 28, as long as he doesn't have any setbacks with it once he resumes playing in the Grapefruit League. The 26-year-old can do anything on the baseball field and should be the first player selected in fantasy drafts this spring. |
Source: MLB.com - Mark Bowman | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Mar 7 | 12:55 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Taking Batting Practice Thursday |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. took batting practice on Thursday and worked out on the field with the players who did not travel for the club's contest against the Boston Red Sox. The reigning NL MVP has been slowed by a knee injury this spring, and while he is still without a firm timetable to return, Braves skipper Brian Snitker is on record saying he doesn't believe the injury is anything to worry about while the superstar has been checked out by a doctor. The 26-year-old enjoyed a historic 2023 campaign that saw him become the first 40/70 hitter in MLB history with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases. He also hit a hefty .337, finishing as the runner-up for the NL batting title. He remains the No. 1 player in fantasy baseball in all formats. |
Source: Mark Bowman | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Mar 5 | 10:14 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Still Expected To Be Ready For Opening Day |
As planned, Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. met with Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Monday, and the doctor confirmed that there was irritation in the meniscus of Acuna's right knee. Acuna will slowly ramp back up baseball activities and is still expected to be ready for Opening Day. This is fantastic news for the consensus No.1 overall fantasy pick. Hopefully there are no setbacks along the way, but for now, we can all breathe a collective sigh of relief. |
Source: Atlanta Braves on X | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Mar 3 | 12:57 | Braves GM “Highly Confident” Ronald Acuna Jr. Will Be Ready |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) has a great chance to be in the Opening Day lineup, according to the team's general manager Alex Anthopoulos. Anthopoulos was on MLB Network Radio on Sunday morning with Jon Morosi and said he was "highly confident" that Acuna would be in the team's Opening Day lineup. The reigning NL MVP's health has been a hot topic this offseason as he's been dealing with meniscus irritation in his surgically repaired right knee. The fact he's been dealing with irritation in the same knee where he tore his ACL back in 2021 is why there has been so much concern. The 26-year-old is heading to California this week to have his keen examined by a specialist but the Braves GM sounded confident that everything will work out. Acuna is coming off a sensational 2023 season in which he slashed .337/.416/.596 with 149 runs scored, 41 home runs, 106 RBI, and 73 stolen bases over 643 at-bats. He's so important to the Braves that they're going to be extremely cautious with him. We should find out more about his status following his visit with the knee specialist later this week. |
Source: Jon Morosi of MLB Network | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Mar 2 | 09:33 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Expected To Be Ready By Opening Day |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. had his sore right knee examined by a doctor on Friday and irritation was found in his meniscus. An MRI was recommended and Acuna now plans to travel to L.A. to see another doctor. As of now, the Braves are optimistic, expecting Acuna to be ready for Opening Day, however, fantasy managers and fans will be justifiably nervous as this is the same knee that he tore his ACL in back in 2021. This situation will be monitored closely so stay tuned for updates. |
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 1 | 16:42 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Being Checked By Doctor |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) is getting his sore right knee looked at by a doctor "just to make sure," manager Brian Snitker said. It's not an MRI exam, and Snitker also said, "I don't think it'll be anything." It may be nothing, but it doesn't hurt for the Braves and Acuna to get peace of mind this spring, especially considering that the 26-year-old superstar tore the ACL in the same knee back in 2021. The Braves scratched Acuna as a precaution from Friday's Grapefruit League game against the Baltimore Orioles, but he could be back in spring training games sooner than later if the exam doesn't turn up anything significant. Acuna broke records in 2023 and is elite across the board in all categories for fantasy managers as the top overall fantasy asset when he's healthy. |
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Mar 1 | 12:56 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Scratched With Knee Soreness |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) was scratched from Friday's Grapefruit League lineup against the Baltimore Orioles "as a precaution" due to right-knee soreness. While the injury isn't considered serious, it's certainly something to keep an eye on with the best player in baseball, especially after Acuna suffered a torn ACL in the same knee in 2021. The Braves aren't going to take any chances with the 26-year-old reigning National League MVP in spring training. If he's able to return to Atlanta's lineup in a few days, fantasy managers will be able to let out a collective sigh of relief. The Venezuelan outfielder should be the first player off the board in fantasy drafts after breaking records last year and leading the league in stolen bases (73), hits (217), runs (149), on-base percentage (.416), OPS (1.012) and total bases (383) while also hitting 41 homers and driving in 106 in 159 games. |
Source: The Atlanta Journal-Constitution - Justin Toscano | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Feb 26 | 11:27 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Hitless In Spring Debut |
Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. made his spring debut in Sunday's 5-4 Grapefruit League loss to the Boston Red Sox. Batting in his typical leadoff spot, the reigning NL MVP didn't wait to get his spring season underway, swinging at the first pitch he saw from Boston righty Brayan Bello and grounding out to third. In the bottom of the third inning, Acuna came to the plate for the second time, and after seeing just one pitch again he sent a fly ball to right field off of Red Sox reliever Zack Kelly for an out. Though he ended the day 0-2, there are plenty of hits in the 4x All-Star's future. It will be a tall task to top his 2023 season after slashing .337/.416/.596 with 41 home runs, 106 RBI, 149 runs scored, and 73 stolen bases, but even if he falls somewhat short of that, there isn't another hitter that can match that kind of production in every category which is why he's the consensus No.1 overall pick in fantasy drafts. |
Source: ESPN | RotoBaller.com |
Thu Nov 16 2023 | 21:16 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Wins First MVP Award |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. was unanimously named the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player for the first time in his career. Acuna was fully expected to win the award after a groundbreaking 40-home run, 70-stolen base season. Before 2023, no player in MLB history had hit 40 home runs and stolen 70 bases in a single season. The 25-year-old became just the third Venezuelan-born player to win an MVP, joining Miguel Cabrera and Jose Altuve. Acuna was also the first player to ever lead his league in hits (217), runs (149), on-base percentage (.416), OPS (1.012) and total bases (383) since Carl Yastrzemski in 1967. He became Atlanta's eighth MVP and first since Freddie Freeman won the award in the shortened 2020 season. |
Source: New York Post - Jon Heyman | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Sep 30 2023 | 12:00 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Steals Two More Bases Friday |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. didn't even play a full game in Friday's 10-6 loss to the visiting Washington Nationals, but he still managed to steal two bases while going 1-for-2 with an RBI and a run scored. The Braves have already clinched the National League East title, so the Braves chose to give Acuna some more rest. He was replaced by Kevin Pillar in the third inning. The 25-year-old superstar accomplished something this year that no MLB player has ever done: hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases. Acuna now has 72 stolen bases on the year and is tied for third-most steals in franchise history. There's nothing he can't do. Acuna is now slashing .336/.414/.595 with a 1.009 OPS, 41 homers, 105 RBI and 146 runs scored. He's a lock for NL MVP this year. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Sep 27 2023 | 22:35 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Swipes 70th Bag Wednesday |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. stole his 70th base of the season as part of Wednesday night's 6-5 extra-innings win over the visiting Chicago Cubs. The favorite to win the National League Most Valuable Player Award continued his historic season in which he has also slugged 41 home runs while also leading the big leagues with a hefty 146 runs scored on the campaign. Acuna swiped second base twice on the evening and also went 2-for-5 with an RBI and a pair of runs scored. Following yet another impressive outing, Acuna is now hitting .336 with a 1.010 OPS across 155 games on the season while aiming for his first career NL MVP. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sun Sep 24 2023 | 16:46 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Out Of Lineup For Game 2 Of Doubleheader |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is getting a rest Sunday for the second game of a doubleheader. Acuna Jr. has played in 153 games so far this season while leading the league in plate appearances, runs, hits, stolen bases, on-base percentage, OPS, OPS+, and total bases. It's possible the superstar gets another day off before the season ends to rest for Atlanta's playoff games but that's not a given. If you have daily lineups, check to make sure he's playing the rest of the way. |
Source: Atlanta Braves | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Sep 18 2023 | 16:37 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Back In Lineup Against Phillies |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf) has returned to right field and will hit leadoff on Monday against the visiting Philadelphia Phillies and right-hander Zack Wheeler. Acuna, the front-runner for National League MVP, missed the last two games as a precaution due to calf tightness. The 25-year-old superstar will be back in action to begin the week, though, so he needs to be returned to all starting fantasy lineups immediately. More off days could be coming to ensure he's fully healthy and rested for the start of the postseason after the Braves already clinched the National League East division. Acuna is hitting an absurd .337 with league-highs in hits (201), runs scored (135), stolen bases (66), on-base percentage (.418) and total bases (350) in 147 games. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Sat Sep 16 2023 | 13:37 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Out On Saturday |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf) is not in the starting lineup on Saturday against the Miami Marlins. The 25-year-old phenom left Friday's contest early with calf tightness so the Braves want to give him an extra day to rest up. This move makes sense with the NL East division already clinched and the playoffs right around the corner. However, this still impacts fantasy managers, who are likely in the middle of a playoff race themselves if they roster Acuna Jr., so he should be considered day-to-day. Acuna Jr. is slashing an absurd .337/.418/.586 with 37 home runs, 98 RBI, and a league-leading 66 stolen bases over 597 at-bats on the season. The National League MVP award is as good as his. Michael Harris II is batting leadoff in his place on Saturday against Marlins starter Bryan Hoeing. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Sep 15 2023 | 21:51 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Leaves Friday's Game As Precaution |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (calf) was removed from Friday night's game against the Miami Marlins with right calf tightness. The team's Twitter labeled it as a precaution for the MVP front-runner. Expect an update after the game from the Braves and look to see if anything comes from his exit. |
Source: Atlanta Braves | RotoBaller.com |
Fri Sep 1 2023 | 12:31 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Makes MLB History Thursday |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is a very special player. In Thursday's close 8-7 win over the Los Angeles Dodgers, he became the first player in MLB history to reach 30 home runs and 60 stolen bases in a single season. The 25-year-old superstar went 3-for-4 at the plate with a grand slam, four RBI, a run scored, a stolen base and a walk. Acuna got the scoring going in the second inning with his salami and also stole his major league-leading 62nd base later in the contest. Along with the Dodgers' Mookie Betts, Acuna is a favorite to win the National League MVP award in 2023 and is currently hitting an insane .337/.419/.574 with a .992 OPS, 30 home runs, 83 RBI, 62 stolen bases and 120 runs scored in 537 at-bats. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Tue Aug 29 2023 | 00:18 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Joins 20-Homer, 60-Stolen Base Club Monday |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. produced just the seventh 20-home run, 60-stolen base season in American League/National League history in Monday's 14-4 win over the Rockies. The 25-year-old went 4-for-5 with two singles, a double, a two-run HR, five RBI, a walk, and two stolen bases. He also had a strange interaction with several fans running onto the field but was fine. Acuna Jr. has remained healthy and has put together a fabulous season, slashing .335/.418/.572 with 29 HR, 79 RBI, and 61 stolen bases. There is still over a month left in the regular season for him to build upon his success, but he has proven why he is a top fantasy pick. |
Source: Mark Bowman - MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Mon Aug 14 2023 | 14:38 | Ronald Acuna Jr. Steals 55th Base In Loss |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. finished Sunday's 7-6 loss to the New York Mets with a 2-for-5 performance with a run scored, his 55th stolen base of the season and a strikeout. Acuna is having an MVP-type season in 2023 for the Braves, slashing an absurd .337/.421/.574 with a .995 OPS, 26 home runs, 29 doubles, two triples, 71 RBI, 55 stolen bases and 107 runs scored in 117 games over 541 plate appearances. The four-time All-Star leads the league in steals, runs and on-base percentage (.421). Since the All-Star break, the 25-year-old has gone 39-for-110 (.355) with five long balls, four doubles, a triple, 16 RBI, 14 stolen bases and 28 runs scored in 28 starts. Acuna is a must-start each and every day he's in the lineup for Atlanta. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |
Wed Aug 9 2023 | 16:32 | Ronald Acuna Jr. In Wednesday's Lineup |
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (elbow) is right back in right field and in his customary leadoff spot on Wednesday against the Pittsburgh Pirates and rookie right-hander Quinn Priester after getting hit by a pitch on his left elbow in Tuesday's contest. X-rays came back negative for anything serious, though, which was a huge sigh of relief for the Braves and fantasy managers everywhere. The 25-year-old is one of the best players in baseball and needs to be in all starting fantasy lineups now that he's back in the lineup a day later. Acuna can do it all, as evidenced by his .339/.422/.587 slash line, 1.008 OPS, 26 home runs, 28 doubles, two triples and 68 RBI in 111 games. The four-time All-Star leads the league with 53 stolen bases, a .422 on-base percentage and 100 runs scored. |
Source: MLB.com | RotoBaller.com |