José Ureña isn't a popular name among Atlanta Braves fans based on the pitcher's history with the Miami Marlins.
It is rare that such an underwhelming player gains such notoriety among a rival fan base. However, Ureña earned this honor by choosing to throw at Ronald Acuña Jr. nearly seven years ago, causing manager Brian Snitker to lead a charge out of the dugout. Ureña even served a six-game suspension because of it.
While the incident is years in the rearview, Atlanta fans are far too petty to have forgiven and forgotten the willful targeting of a franchise player. It was done without cause or any reasonable justification. No pitching staff was able to get Atlanta's best player out, so the Marlins starter took it upon himself to end Ronald's impressive leadoff streak.
With this in mind, Ureña remains a disliked figure among Atlanta fans despite having left the division long ago.
Former Braves Rival José Ureña Continues to Bounce Around the League
Since the starter left Miami, the road has been bumpy, already having spent time with a handful of organizations in the 2025 season. Ureña's attempts to find a landing spot are currently focused on the Minnesota Twins, who signed the veteran to a minor-league deal on Tuesday. The fact that the starter is continuing to earn chances speaks to how elusive finding a consistent starting rotation truly is.
The deal comes over two weeks after he was designated for assignment by the Los Angeles Dodgers.
Since leaving the Marlins, the veteran has spent Major League time with the Tigers, Rockies, Brewers, White Sox, Rangers, Blue Jays, Mets, and Dodgers. It has been quite an interesting journey for a player who arguably started his own downfall by embracing a villain role. Choosing to attempt to punish one of the league's best players for simply being too talented.
Seeing Ureña's career continue to struggle isn't going to hurt the feelings of Braves fans who remain salty at the willful decision to target one of the league's brightest stars. It remains one of the biggest issues in attempting to grow the game. The league and its players must embrace young stars and unique personalities, not attempt to regulate celebrations or the joy of the game.
Ureña is a product of an old regime that is thankfully fading away, allowing the game to begin to grow and embrace young stars. It seems the former Braves rival is a piece of this, as his time in the league appears to be reaching an end.