Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., who previously earned the MVP title, exited Tuesday’s game against the Cincinnati Reds due to a leg injury. The mishap occurred when Acuna fouled a ball off his left leg during the third inning. He immediately collapsed on the field and crawled to the first base line’s grass area, where he consulted with the team’s trainer and manager Walt Weiss for more than a minute. Eventually, Acuna rose and walked off the field under his own power. Brewer Hicklen took his place as an outfielder.
This injury is unfortunate for the Braves, who are currently competing for a first-round bye in the postseason. Acuna’s absence for an extended period could mean the team will have to navigate the Wild Card round without the former MVP. Acuna’s recurring leg injuries are a concern for the Braves, as he has encountered two leg issues this season alone. He also missed a portion of the 2025 season due to Achilles inflammation following recovery from a knee injury.
The Braves are hopeful that Acuna’s injury is not severe, emphasizing his importance to the team, even during a challenging season like 2026.
Acuna’s Performance Throughout 2026
While Acuna started the year slowly, he has managed decent statistics as the season nears its conclusion. He has hit 20 home runs, driven in 55 runs, and possesses a .814 OPS over 104 games — the highest number of games he’s played in a season since his notable 40/70 achievement in 2023. Although his .814 OPS is lower than the .934 he achieved last year, Acuna has had a solid season after slow months in March and April.
He posted a .724 OPS through April and briefly joined the IL due to a hamstring strain in May. Once he returned, Acuna’s performance improved with a 1.056 OPS in May before declining again over subsequent months. In June, July, and August, his batting was below the league average. However, he regained form in September, hitting seven home runs, driving in 19 runs, and achieving a 1.087 OPS.
The Braves are in urgent need of Acuna’s presence for the postseason. They hope his injury is minor as they prepare for a Wild Card series against highly competitive teams.