The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
Freeman tells Acuna: ‘The best players ... don’t do that’
Freddie Freeman had a succinct message for Braves teammate Ronald Acuna after Acuna failed to run out a hit during Sunday’s game.
“I told him that in my eyes he’s got a chance to be the best player in this league, and the best players in the league don’t do that,” Freeman said Tuesday, commenting publicly on the matter for the first time.
Acuna, who was held to a single after standing and admiring what he incorrectly thought would be a home run, was lifted from the game by manager Brian Snitker. Freeman praised how Snitker handled the matter and how Acuna reacted afterward.
“That’s not how we do things,” Freeman said of Acuna’s failure to run, “but that was two days ago.
“I think he’s going to learn. He shook his head yes to everything I had to say. He knows he made a mistake, and I think he’s going to be great going forward. I complimented him as I got mad at him.”
The telecast of the game showed Freeman having a conversation with Snitker in the dugout after the incident. “That was me telling Snit what I told Ronald,” Freeman said. “I was completely on board with Snit. I think he handled it perfectly. I think Ronald handled it perfectly after the game. And we get to just move forward because in my eyes he has a chance to be the best player in this league, and I think going forward he’s going to act like it.”
Acuna was back in the lineup as the Braves’ center fielder and leadoff hitter for Tuesday night’s game against Miami at SunTrust Park.
“I said (Sunday) that as soon as we put our head on the pillow and wake up, everything is over,” Snitker said Tuesday. “We start a new day … and all that other stuff is yesterday’s news.”
Injury update: Dansby Swanson and Austin Riley appear to be making progress toward returning from injuries. Swanson, out since July 23 with a bruised right heel, fielded ground balls and hit indoors Tuesday. He could play rehabilitation games in the minors soon. Riley, out since Aug. 7 with a partially torn knee ligament, is “amping up,” Snitker said. “By the end of the week, I’m hoping he can go out (on a rehab assignment).”
One Brave who won’t return this season is Jacob Webb, who went on the 60-day injured list with a right elbow impingement. Webb, an important part of the bullpen earlier this season, went on the 10-day injured list in mid-July. He was activated this month and optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett, but is now shelved for the season.
Expanded netting cheered: The Braves’ decision to extend the protective netting at SunTrust Park drew cheers — and sighs of relief — in the clubhouse.
“I’ve seen too many medical staff come running down the aisles, seen too many kids get hit (by linedrive foul balls),” Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman said. “It’s long overdue. I’m so happy the Braves decided to do this.”
The Braves said Monday they will extend the protective netting to the foul poles. It currently runs to the far ends of the dugouts. The project should be completed by the end of September, “barring any complications,” the Braves said.