Ronald Acuña Jr. feels better equipped to deal with his upcoming torn anterior cruciate ligament surgery and the long road back to the ballpark that comes with it after previously dealing with the injury.
The Atlanta Braves superstar is speaking to the media for the first time since tearing the ACL in his left knee against the Pittsburgh Pirates on Sunday. He’s grateful for the support he’s received from teammates and players around the MLB, but it’s still an emotional time for the 26th. year-old outfielder.
“All this support makes me cry alone at home, and the reason that happens is because I feel like I’m the one letting the team down,” Acuña Jr. said. Thursday through translator Franco Garcia. “I feel like I’m the one who’s letting everyone down.”
The injury occurred when Acuña Jr. took a lead on the basepaths from second base in the first inning of Atlanta’s 8-1 victory. He fell to the turf in obvious pain and grabbed his left leg. He remained on the ground for several moments as trainers attended to him before eventually limping off the field.
Acuna Jr. will undergo surgery on Tuesday in Los Angeles, which will be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache.
It’s been almost three years since Acuña Jr. tore the ACL in his right knee (Dr. ElAttrache also performed that surgery). He rebounded well enough to win the 2023 NL MVP after a 41-home run, 106-RBI season for the Braves. So his familiarity with what he will experience over the next nine to ten months gives him confidence that he can bounce back the same way he did last time.
“Sometimes these things are blessings in disguise,” he said. “Sometimes you have to lose yourself to find yourself. I guess that’s the way I’m trying to approach this thing. I’m going to take everything step by step and, like I said, it’s another opportunity. And who knows? Maybe I can come back and win another MVP.”
In 48 games this season, Acuña Jr. defeated .246/.348/.356 with four home runs, 15 RBI and 16 stolen bases.
Already without top pitcher Spencer Strider, the second-place Braves will also be without Acuña Jr. have to find a way in NL East.
Even without their two stars for the remainder of the 2024 season, Acuña Jr. remains. confident his teammates can do what they did in 2021: win a championship.
“We’re here for a reason; every player on the roster is here for a reason,” Acuña said. “They’re certainly capable. They don’t need me to win a World Series.”
