ATLANTA — In a thrilling display of athleticism, Ronald Acuña Jr. showcased his talents on Friday, not only by hitting a triple and a double but also by executing a jaw-dropping defensive play that concluded the third inning. With one out and two runners on base, Cody Bellinger sent a fly ball soaring toward the right-field corner. Acuña, appearing casual, made the catch look effortless. In a stunning turn of events, he pivoted and delivered a flat-footed throw that reached Alvarez in perfect stride, resulting in a tag of Jorbit Vivas for an inning-ending double play. Manager Brian Snitker praised the play, likening it to a legendary throw from Roberto Clemente. “That was big, too. Spencer (Strider) was working his tail off the whole game, so any help he could get like that was huge,” he stated.
Acuña, speaking through an interpreter, shared his philosophy on anticipating plays: “I think I just always try to anticipate those plays. That’s really what I always try to focus on.” He emphasized the importance of being prepared and expressed confidence in his arm strength. Snitker reminisced about Acuña’s early days, recalling a time in spring training when he marveled at the young player’s skills. “I’ve said for a long time that he’s a weapon in right field. His arm is so strong and accurate,” he exclaimed.
The play caught both Strider and Alvarez by surprise. Alvarez admitted he wasn’t expecting Acuña to make the throw to third base, while Strider, who was asking for a new ball from the umpire, realized the play was live only when he saw everyone’s reaction. “I was not where I needed to be, so that’s honestly on me. Big screw up,” Strider remarked, relieved that Acuña’s throw was right on target.
In other news, Austin Riley’s return to the lineup is eagerly anticipated by the Atlanta Braves after he took batting practice on Friday. Currently on the 10-day injury list, Riley is optimistic about being activated next week. He sustained the injury while making a throw during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals. “I’m on day seven of this thing and I feel like I’ve taken big strides,” Riley said. He elaborated that this injury is less severe compared to his strained midsection from May 2024, which caused him to miss 14 games.
Riley expressed confusion about how the injury occurred, stating he felt discomfort during a routine cross-body throw. “I prepare really well before the games and make sure that my body’s ready,” he explained.
Meanwhile, rookie Nacho Alvarez Jr. has stepped up defensively in Riley’s absence. In Friday’s 7-3 victory over the Yankees, Alvarez made a remarkable play in the ninth inning, sprinting back in foul territory to catch a pop-up before tumbling over the tarp and wall. “That was a great play by Nacho,” said Braves starter Spencer Strider. Despite his defensive prowess, Alvarez has struggled at the plate, hitting just .122 with no extra-base hits in 11 major-league games.
As the Braves look to optimize their lineup, Jurickson Profar has taken on the leadoff role, with Acuña batting third. Profar contributed a single and a walk in the first two innings on Friday and has performed well since joining the Braves. “I think for the first time, I finally feel like a power hitter,” Acuña stated, expressing his satisfaction with the new batting order. Snitker acknowledged the potential benefits of this arrangement, noting that it could enhance scoring opportunities.
Snitker also plans to maintain the presence of catchers Drake Baldwin and Sean Murphy in the lineup simultaneously. Both players have been delivering strong performances at the plate, with Baldwin recording an impressive .830 OPS. Their combined 24 home runs rank among the highest for any team’s catchers this season. Snitker appreciates the depth they provide, stating, “If you do good and you produce, you’re gonna play.”
Though Marcell Ozuna has been a key designated hitter for the Braves, his recent slump has raised questions about his future with the team. With the trade deadline approaching, Ozuna, a 10-and-5 player, holds the power to veto any trades, complicating potential moves as the Braves assess their options.
As the Braves continue their season, the focus will remain on the health of their players and the effectiveness of their lineup strategies, especially as they aim for a strong finish in the 2024 season.
