If voting ended today, the Atlanta Braves would be without a starter in this year's All-Star game. This is especially painful when you consider the fact that the game is set to be hosted in Atlanta. It is a chance for fans to see their stars play alongside the league's best. However, the chances of this happening are increasingly slim, with Brian Snitker being the only Brave currently on the All-Star roster. Snitker joined Dave Roberts' staff, who unquestionably asked the veteran manager based on where the game was held and Snitker's tenure in the league. With this in mind, if the Braves are going to have one hitter featured in this year's starting lineup, the best chance is recently returned Ronald Acuña Jr.
The outfielder is the only Brave within striking distance of the starting lineup, currently one place behind in the latest voting updates. Pete Crow-Armstrong, Teoscar Hernandez, and Kyle Tucker are the names sitting about the Atlanta star in what is a tight race. Already, Acuña has made up two voting spots since the last update that had the 2023 MVP in 6th place. It is a fitting leap for a hitter who has been beyond hot since returning to Atlanta's lineup.
Ronald Acuña Jr. Is Braves' Lone Chance of Having All-Star Starter
Having Ronald Acuña Jr. as the team's lone starter would be fitting based on recent results. So much of the team's offense is simply the star putting everyone else on his back and making it work. Consistently setting up underachieving hitters and putting pressure on the pitcher when he is on base.
Despite the knee injury, which is Ronald's second serious leg injury, his elite speed remains. This is the absolute best version of the star, and there simply isn't any slowing him down right now. With this in mind, it would be surprising not to see the outfielder overtake Kyle Tucker in the next voting update and work his way into the conversation as the lead-off hitter for Atlanta's All-Star game.
It would be a fitting way to kick things off and give Snitker some much-needed company from a team that doesn't have enough representation on the current projected roster.