Ronald Acuna injury update: Braves star explains why he stayed in NLDS Game 2 after HBP

David Suggs

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Ronald Acuna injury update: Braves star explains why he stayed in NLDS Game 2 after HBP image

The Braves were already behind the 8-ball after falling in Game 1 of the NLDS to the Phillies. For a moment, it appeared that Atlanta would have to try to even the series in Game 2 without its best player.

Ronald Acuna Jr. took a Zack Wheeler fastball to the right elbow with two outs in the bottom of the sixth inning Wednesday night. He appeared to be in great discomfort; he jogged toward the Braves' dugout before team personnel came out to examine him.

Acuna eventually made the trek to first base and later came around to score the game's first run on Matt Olson's RBI single.

As Acuna rounded the bases, he appeared to be favoring his right arm.

At the start of the seventh inning, Acuna made the trip to his usual post in right field. He got out of the inning without having to make a play. And things went off without a hitch after that as Atlanta evened the series with a 3-0 victory.

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When asked about his decision to stay in the game, Acuna was fairly open with his thought process. He referred indirectly to the ACL tear that kept him inactive for the Braves' run to a World Series title last year.

"I already missed one postseason, I'm not going to miss another one," he said through an interpreter.

After the game, Braves manager Brian Snitker detailed the process for Acuna to return to the outfield for the seventh.

"Best thing that happened was he scored," Snitker said. "When we had a little time to get him downstairs and check him out and he was throwing into the cage. I think the longer he was there, the more he was getting feeling back."

By the end of the sixth, Acuna's elbow was in good enough shape for him to take the field.

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"I'm sure it's going to be sore," Snitker added. "It's probably good that we have a day off (Thursday), we can treat him up. But the good news is there wasn't anything structural or anything like that upon our examination."

Indeed, it was announced that X-rays showed no structural damage to the elbow.

Acuna's grit seemed to ignite Atlanta's bats and helped the Braves break out of the stupor they were in while facing Wheeler. According to Snitker, that's just the type of effect Acuna has on the team, especially in big moments.

"He's just kind of that electric guy that has that penchant for igniting things, especially in this time of the year when he gets on," Snitker said. "It's pretty good to get those guys coming in behind him."

David Suggs

David Suggs Photo

David Suggs is a content producer at The Sporting News. A long-suffering Everton, Wizards and Commanders fan, he has learned to get used to losing over the years. In his free time, he enjoys skateboarding (poorly), listening to the likes of Stevie Wonder, Marvin Gaye and D’Angelo, and penning short journal entries.