ATLANTA — Ronald Acuña Jr. stopped at Truist Park previous to the Braves’ 5-4 loss Wednesday to reunite with teammates and to organize to spend the following few days enjoying Minor League rehab video games in suburban Atlanta for Triple-A Gwinnett.
“It’s all previously and we’re right here now,” Acuña mentioned by means of an interpreter. “We’re shifting on. It was only a second of frustration for me.”
After seeing Braves supervisor Brian Snitker seemingly making an attempt to guard Jarred Kelenic for not hustling out of the field on a fly ball that hit the outfield wall, which resulted in him getting thrown out making an attempt to achieve second base on April 19 — Acuña posted, “If it had been me, they’d take me out of the sport.”
The publish was important of Snitker, who benched Acuña for doing this throughout an Aug. 19, 2019 recreation towards the Dodgers. The then-21-year-old outfielder had completed this a number of occasions earlier than the benching and he continued to be a repeat offender after it occurred.
Acuña mentioned he apologized to Snitker. However there was purpose to ask if this publish was indication he nonetheless harbors ailing will towards his supervisor and that call that occurred six years in the past?
“No, this was only a second of frustration for me,” Acuña mentioned.
Acuña’s publish additionally created a distraction instantly after the workforce had received consecutive video games for the primary time this season. As an alternative of speaking in regards to the sweep accomplished towards the Twins on April 19, speak across the Atlanta sports activities world centered on the publish.
“I used to be simply pissed off with my state of affairs of with the ability to return to the workforce,” Acuña mentioned. “I’m coming off a second main harm, I’m in Florida, away from my teammates and the workforce was struggling.”
Snitker mentioned Acuña apologized to him earlier than he spoke to the workforce earlier than Wednesday evening’s loss to the Nationals.
“He had a gathering with us and he dealt with it nicely,” mentioned Braves pitcher Bryce Elder, who tossed six innings of one-run ball Wednesday. “He did his half. That’s all you’ll be able to ask for. We’re able to have him again.”
Acuña laughed when requested what number of video games he would possibly have to play for Gwinnett earlier than being activated. His 12-month restoration has been rather more conservative than the restoration he had after tearing his proper ACL on July 10, 2021. He returned to motion by April 28, 2022, however battled lingering discomfort the rest of that season.
Gwinnett concludes its homestand on Sunday. Acuña might proceed to go on the highway with the Triple-A membership or proceed enjoying in Georgia with Double-A Columbus, which begins a homestand on Tuesday.
If all goes nicely, Acuña might be again by the point the Braves start a homestand towards the Padres on Could 23. However he’ll be prepared at any time when the decision comes.
“I am tremendous excited to be again,” Acuña mentioned. “I am simply peaked with anxiousness, simply making an attempt to hurry again to have the ability to play with the fellows and rejoin the workforce.”
