The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Acuna took off after move to leadoff
Rookie outfielder made Snitker’s decision after All-Star break pay off.
The Braves captured the National League East with a remarkable season that was imagined by few. So many things went the Braves’ way that led to their first postseason trip since 2013. In the second of a seven-part series, The Atlanta Journal-Constitution will look back at some of the many highlights of the wonderful journey that captured the imagination of the city.
Today: Acuna arrives with a bang.
Ronald Acuna likely will be the National League rookie of the year. He should also receive MVP votes. The Braves’ second-half surge isn’t accomplished without Acuna.
It began in Cincinnati. The
Braves were baseball’s pleasant surprise, but they disappointed in the first two of a four-game set. They lacked the energy and enthusiasm that now defines them.
Then came Acuna, finally promoted after a slow start to his minor league season. The Braves won the next two games, with the 20-year-old hitting his first homer in the second, before taking two of three in Philadelphia and sweeping the Mets to take first place in the NL East.
Even including a hot trip, Acuna’s initial results were pedestrian. He slashed .265/.326/.453 in 29 games before his violent tumble at first base in Boston on May 27, resulting in injuries that
sidelined him a month. His production wasn’t there as he re-acclimated himself. He hit .212 with two homers in 14 games before the All-Star break.
“He’s breathed life into us,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s brought that energy, excitement, con- fidence to our whole team since he’s been here . ... The defense, his legs, the arm; he’s meant a lot to our team.”
The Braves opened in Washington after the break, and Snitker made the decision that perhaps launched the Braves into the postseason: Acuna became the leadoff hitter. He’s since hit .316 with 19 homers, 41 RBIs, 53 runs and 14 stolen bases. He’s posted a .402 on-base percentage and .636 slugging percent- age in those 64 games.
He was unquestionably the team’s best player after the break. Starting games with Acuna — including his team record eight leadoff homers — energized the club.
“I never have (seen anything like it) in my lifetime,” Snitker said after Acuna’s third consecutive leadoff homer.
That week was Acuna’s best work. He was named NL Player of the Week after hit- ting .464 with a .559 on-base percentage. Along with his three consecutive leadoff blasts, he collected nine RBIs and scored 11 times while tacking on three steals.
He galvanized the Braves. He may not be the league MVP, but h e’s certainly deserving of votes.
Much was made of the team’s decision to leave him in the minors for three weeks, motivated by gaining an extra season of contractual control.
It didn’t haunt the Braves, who won their division with a week to spare. It didn’t hurt Acuna, who’s likely winning rookie of the year despite a valiant effort from teenage star Juan Soto in Washington.
Acuna soon will be witnessed nationwide during the National League Divi- sion Series. It’s his chance to show the country what Braves fans have seen for the past few months.
The next great talent in baseball, who’s not only improving individually, but sharing his success with a group that arrived much earlier than scheduled.