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Acuña Exits with Thumb Bruise; Braves Win 9-3

5/22/2026

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Summary

Acuña Exits With Thumb

Ronald Acuña Jr. left the May 21, 2026 game in the sixth inning because of left-thumb pain.
Manager Walt Weiss said Acuña has a bone bruise in his left thumb but expects him to be fine.
Acuña recorded two hits, including an RBI single that gave the Braves a 5-2 lead.
The Braves won 9-3, improving to a 35-16 record and remaining atop the NL East.

Summary

Acuña Stays

Acuña told manager Walt Weiss he would play “however I am” and asked to stay in Friday’s lineup despite a thumb bruise.
He warned that if he sat, the Braves would need four outfielders, highlighting depth worries.
Drake Baldwin’s Grade 1 right oblique strain landed him on the injured list, allowing Acuña to reclaim the leadoff spot and prompting Eli White’s sixth-inning substitution.

History

Historical Context

June 2015 saw Giancarlo Stanton suffer a hand injury that sidelined the Marlins for three weeks after he had already logged 27 home runs in 74 games. In May 2026 Ronald Acuña Jr. bruised his thumb, prompting the Braves to adjust their outfield. These repeat thumb injuries to marquee leadoff hitters have repeatedly strained NL East roster depth and playoff positioning.

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Acuña Exits With Thumb

Ronald Acuña Jr. left the May 21, 2026 game in the sixth inning because of left-thumb pain.
Manager Walt Weiss said Acuña has a bone bruise in his left thumb but expects him to be fine.
Acuña recorded two hits, including an RBI single that gave the Braves a 5-2 lead.
The Braves won 9-3, improving to a 35-16 record and remaining atop the NL East.

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