Atlanta Braves Ronald Acuna’s Injury Has Lineup Impact
By Kit Anderson
The Atlanta Braves left fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has been moved to the disabled list after an ugly injury. His time on the disabled list will provide another chance for Preston Tucker.
Preston Tucker was an early surprise for the Atlanta Braves. He played left field at a decent level and was great in clutch situations. He hit two key three-run homers and helped ignite the Braves offense.
After Acuna’s ugly injury he will be given another chance. Acuna was hurt over the weekend after sprinting down the 1st baseline. His knee gave and his whole leg buckled in a way legs aren’t supposed to.
The injury isn’t as horrific as it appeared it seems, with the team saying he only suffered a mild ACL sprain.
Considering how ugly the injury appeared to be it is good news for Acuna and the Braves. For now, Preston Tucker will have to work to prove he can fill in during the next two weeks
Tucker is hitting .266 with 19 runs driven in and 11 runs scored. He is a decent hitter but not a long-term starter.
For the Braves they have to hope Acuna can rebound quickly. His absence makes their lineup much weaker and takes away their biggest source of power.
Hopefully, the rookie will heal quickly and be back on the field in short order. If not, the team’s lineup could struggle to produce as consistently as Braves’ fans have grown accustomed to seeing.
In a corresponding move, the Braves called up outfielder Dustin Peterson. Peterson is a raw power hitter who the Braves will likely give a look while Acuna is on the shelf.
Peterson has the potential to be an average Major League starter and will have a brief chance to prove it to the Braves. With injuries come opportunities for other players to prove their value to the team, for Tucker and Peterson their opportunity is now.