Acuña Jr. Exits With Shin Bruise, X-Rays Negative for Braves
The short version
- Acuña fouled a ball off his left leg in the third inning and exited Tuesday's game against the Reds
- X-rays were negative; the diagnosis is a bruised shin and he is day to day
- Since Aug. 28, Acuña is hitting .368 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs
- He has missed 49 games this season because of two left hamstring strains
- The postseason begins in roughly one week
Ronald Acuña Jr. left Tuesday's game against Cincinnati after fouling a ball off his left leg, but initial tests showed no fracture.
Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. was forced out of Tuesday night's game against the Cincinnati Reds after fouling a pitch off his left leg in the third inning. The ball struck the area between his shin and calf, just outside his shin guard.
Acuña tried to shake off the discomfort but eventually dropped to the ground. He walked off the field on his own with a trainer and manager Walt Weiss before heading to the tunnel for evaluation. Brewer Hicklen took over the at-bat and flied out.
The team later announced that X-rays came back negative and Acuña was diagnosed with a bruised shin. He is listed as day to day.
The scare comes with the postseason just a week away. Acuña has been on a strong run since Aug. 28, batting .368 with seven home runs and 20 RBIs, and he has also recorded his third career season with at least 20 homers and 20 stolen bases.
Injuries have already cost Acuña time this year. He missed 49 games across two injured-list stints caused by strains in his left hamstring, so the Braves are expected to remain cautious with his availability in the final days of the regular season.