The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Braves can be patient with Acuna
The latest
The Braves feel no urgency to bring Ronald Acuna to the major leagues, particularly with the Braves getting solid production from current left fielder Preston Tucker, who hit a three-run homer Friday against the Cubs to give him three homers and a team-high 12 RBIs.
Why the delay
Today was the day most had targeted, since it’s the earliest Acuna could be brought up and still guarantee the Braves another full season of contractual control before he’s potentially eligible for free agency in seven instead of six years.
Previously
Acuna, the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball, had played only seven games in 2½ weeks — including the Braves vs. Future Stars game March 27 — because of a gap this year between the
end of spring training and start of the Triple-A season April 6. Gwinnett opened on the road in chilly and sometimes wet conditions and had one game rained out.
In Gwinnett
Acuna is 3 for 25 to start the season at Triple-A Gwinnett before Friday, including
10 strikeouts and two walks. Braves Triple-A manager Damon Berryhill: “I think he’s pressing a little bit. Chasing out of the zone, which is unusual for him. But I’m not overly concerned. It’s been a slow start for basically this whole league. The first week we played was brutal weather everywhere.”