Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. set for IL stint after suffering non-contact knee injury

Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. is expected to go on injured reserve after suffering a non-contact knee injury during Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.

The injury occurred at the start of the first inning. Acuña was at second base and began heading toward third before quickly stopping and attempting to return toward second. He apparently injured his knee while trying to change direction and fell to the ground, clutching his left leg.

Trainers came to examine Acuña as he writhed in pain on the ground, although he eventually left the field under his own power.

Acuña left the game and was replaced by Jarred Kelenic. After the game, the 26-year-old confirmed to reporters that he would be heading to the IL for 10 days. He said the injury was similar to the ACL sprain he suffered in 2018 and he wouldn’t be surprised if he needed about a month of inactivity to recover.

This season, over 49 games, Acuña is slashing .250/.351/.365 with four home runs, 15 RBIs and 16 stolen bases.