Ronald Acuña Jr. has been putting up outstanding numbers in the National League MVP race with a .343 batting average, 25 home runs, 53 stolen bases, and a 1.014 OPS. However, his former teammate, Dodgers first baseman Freddie Freeman, has been heating up recently.
Freeman's .339 average, 23 home runs, 80 RBI, and a 1.011 OPS has led to speculation about whether he could be closing in on Acuña Jr. in the MVP race.
Grant McAuley, who joined The Morning Shift, expressed his belief that Freeman is indeed closing the gap in the MVP race. He highlighted Freeman's crucial role in the Dodgers' offense, along with Mookie Betts, and emphasized that the Dodgers are a highly competitive team.
McAuley pointed out that both Acuña Jr. and Freeman are having exceptional seasons that merit MVP consideration. He suggested that it doesn't have to be a competition between the two, as both players are deserving of recognition for their performances.
However, McAuley noted that what Acuña Jr. is accomplishing as a leadoff hitter and base stealer is particularly remarkable and gives him an edge in the MVP race. Acuña Jr.'s unique skill set and contributions to various aspects of the game make his performance stand out.
Acuña Jr. recently experienced a batting injury to his elbow, which could potentially impact his performance. X-rays came back negative, but there might be concerns about his availability and effectiveness in upcoming games.
The Braves are set to continue their series against the Pittsburgh Pirates, with a game time of 7:05 p.m.