Atlanta Braves star right fielder and leadoff hitter Ronald Acuña Jr. exited Atlanta's 6-5, 10-inning loss to the Chicago White Sox early last night with left hamstring tightness and is scheduled to undergo an MRI today. Following the game, Braves Manager Walt Weiss expressed optimism that the injury isn’t as severe as the Grade 1 left hamstring strain that sidelined Acuña for 16 days earlier this season.
Braves Reporter for BravesVision Wiley Ballard also reported last night after the game that Acuña Jr. will not be placed on the injured list at this time, and that he’s day-to-day for now. However, when The Morning Shift was talking about the five time All-Star’s latest injury they explained why it raises questions about what the Braves should and need to do before the August 3rd MLB trade deadline.
“He’s not been healthy, you don’t how long he’ll be healthy once he comes back, he hasn’t had an overly productive year to begin with at the plate, he’s gotten on base, he’s done a good job of drawing walks and stuff, but his RBIs are down his home runs are down, his production is down, so that’s my concern do we have to start thinking we need more than just another starting pitcher for this team at the trade deadline.” Beau Morgan said
Now, the 2023 NL MVP did say after the game that he “doesn’t feel any pain” and that the hamstring just feels “a little bit tight.”, but between reaggravating his hamstring injury that he had earlier this season last night, and the other major injuries he’s had throughout his career it wouldn't be a bad idea for Braves General Manager Alex Anthopoulos to maybe think about acquiring another outfielder before the trade deadline that could act as the Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. insurance policy.
