The Atlanta Journal-Constitution
ACUNA BACK IN BRAVES LINEUP
Returns from injured list, along with Nick Markakis,
Tuesday was a big day for the Braves.
In addition to promoting top pitching prospect Ian Anderson, the Braves activated outfielder Ronald Acuna from the 10-day injured list. Acuna hasn’t played since Aug. 10 because of left-wrist inflam- mation, missing 11 games.
“I feel good, and I’m happy to be back doing what I love,” Acuna said via team inter- preter Franco Garcia.
After originally thinking Acuna wouldn’t need an IL stint, the Braves then hoped he’d be back for this past week- end’s series against the Phillies. Acuna’s recovery was slower than first expected, but he was ready to return Tuesday against Gerrit Cole and the Yankees before the game was rained out. It will be made up today as part of a doubleheader beginning at 4:10 p.m.
“He’s taken some live (bat- ting practices); he looks great and feels good,” manager Brian Snitker said. “We’re in one of those situations where, why wait? If he’s ready to go, we’re ready.”
Acuna had his best day of the season Aug. 9, when he went 4 for 4 with two homers against the Phillies in Game 2 of a doubleheader. He also homered in Game 1. The All-Star was coming on after a slow start, hitting .364/.488/.818 in 10 games this month before his injury.
The di s comfort began during the series in Phila- delphia, Acuna revealed Tuesday, when he played in all four games. He didn’t know what caused the ailment.
“It was something I didn’t expect to last a week or 10 days,” Acuna said. “I was initially expecting it to be a day or two. I started feeling the discomfort in the Phil- lies series, but it was more discomfort, not a pain. I just wanted to play through it. Didn’t think anything of it. As we worked our way to the Yankees series, it turned from discomfort to pain. That’s when we had that conversa- tion (to sit me). Even then, I wasn’t expecting it’d be as long as it was.”
Catcher Alex Jackson and right-hander Touki Toussaint were sent to the alternate training camp in Gwinnett to make room for Acuna and Anderson.
Top outfield prospect Cris- tian Pache also was optioned back to Gwinnett upon outfielder Nick Markakis’ return from the COVID-related IL. Markakis has been out since Aug. 19 after potentially being exposed to COVID-19.
Markakis, 36, was in Tuesday’s lineup, hitting sixth and playing right field.
“He was working out in a limited capacity,” Snitker said. “The last thing I worry about with him is (his preparation). He missed six weeks last year, took one batting practice in an afternoon and then faced Max Scherzer and looked like he didn’t miss any time. He’s going to keep himself ready the best he can.”