KANSAS CITY, Mo. — The Atlanta Braves put five-time MLB All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr., their starting right fielder, on the 10-day injured list Wednesday due to what was believed to be inflammation in his right Achilles tendon.
The Braves recalled outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Gwinnett to take the star slugger’s place on the roster.
Acuña first experienced discomfort in his calf area Monday night, when he scored from first on Austin Riley’s double to help the Braves to a 10-7 victory as they opened a three-game series against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Acuña lobbied to play Tuesday night in the second game of the series, and Braves manager Brian Snitker assented, only for the 27-year-old from Venezuela to come up limping while trying to chase down a ball in right in an eventual 9-6 loss.
“It happened when I scored from first to home on that play,” Acuña explained after Tuesday’s game, speaking through an interpreter. “They are going to examine me (Wednesday) so we’ll see how it goes.”
Even after he came up limping, Acuña wanted to remain in the game. He headed out to his position in the field but saw Eli White trotting out to replace him. That Acuña was able to jog into the dugout at least generated some optimism that the injury to the Achilles tendon was not a complete tear and he could be back this season.