20-year-old Acuna makes awaited debut with Braves

No break-in period needed for 20-year-old Ronald Acuna Jr.

Promoted by the Atlanta Braves from Triple-A, the youngest player in the majors was put into the starting lineup Wednesday night, batting sixth and playing left field against Cincinnati.

“I’m not worried about too much,” Acuna said through a translator. “I’m just going to give it my best effort and leave it all out on the field. I’m trying to approach it like a minor league game at the major league level.”

Acuna, who wore No. 13, just like fellow Venezuelans Dave Concepcion and Ozzie Guillen, went 1 for 5 with a run scored.

Acuna rose from Class A to Triple-A in 2017, hitting a combined .325 with 21 home runs, 82 RBIs and 44 stolen bases. Then he was selected MVP of the Arizona Fall League. He began this season as MLB.com’s No. 2 overall prospect behind Angels two-way sensation Shohei Ohtani.

Acuna got Braves fans enthused this spring, batting .432 with four homers, four stolen bases and a 1.247 OPS in 16 exhibition games.

“He’s a talented young man,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He just needs to let the talent flow and enjoy playing here.” INJURY NEWS >> Brewers first baseman Eric Thames will be out at least a couple of months after tearing the ulnar collateral ligament in his left thumb during Tuesday’s game.

Orioles infielder Tim Beckham is considering surgery, apparently the most viable option, on the groin injury that sent him to the 10-day disabled list.

Rangers third baseman Adrian Beltre was placed on the 10-day disabled list with a strained left hamstring. He is the third Texas starting infielder out with an injury, joinging shortstop Elvis Andrus (elbow) and second baseman Rougned Odor (hamstring).