Acuña leaves game after fouling ball off leg, Braves await diagnosis

Atlanta's star outfielder exited Tuesday's game, with the Wild Card series about a week away.

Ronald Acuña Jr. was forced out of Tuesday's game after a foul ball struck his leg during a swing, according to The Athletic's Jesus Cano, who reported that the outfielder was removed and that further details would follow. The severity of the injury had not been announced.

The timing is difficult for Atlanta, whose Wild Card series begins in roughly a week. Acuña, 28, has dealt with injuries throughout the season, sitting out 53 games, but had been producing strongly of late.

According to Sports Illustrated's Roman Janeiro, Acuña went 8-for-18 with two home runs, five RBIs and four runs across the first four games of September, following a May in which he batted .286 with five homers.

Beyond the playoffs, Acuña's future with the club remains unsettled. MLB insider Ken Rosenthal said that while Acuña would likely welcome extension talks, he does not expect a deal and believes the 28-year-old will reach free agency in two years.

Acuña has been expected to play a central role as the Braves pursue a return to the World Series. If he misses time, his availability for October could become a major question for Atlanta.