ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Dave Parker. Roberto Clemente. Ichiro. Whatever name comes to mind when thinking of the best outfield throws of all time, Ronald Acuña Jr. now belongs in that conversation.
Acuña’s throw from the edge of the right field warning track to nab New York Yankees infielder Jorbit Vivas at third base is a contender for this season’s throw of the year. According to Acuna, it’s one of the best throws of his career.
It had Truist Park buzzing, left Acuña and the Braves dugout in awe and had starting pitcher Spencer Strider flabbergasted.
“(Acuña) confused me,” Strider said. “I was asking the umpire for another ball. I thought it was foul and out of play, so it’s a good thing that the ball didn’t get away at third because I would’ve been nowhere near where I needed to be.
“He is a good baseball player and a good actor too. That was a great deke,” he said.
It was just one of the many highlights for the 27-year-old in Atlanta’s 7-3 win over the New York Yankees at Truist Park on Friday. He stole the show, recording a double and hustling out a triple for a 2-for-3 day with an RBI and a walk.
Outfielder Michael Harris II and third baseman Nacho Alvarez Jr. also added to the fun, with the former making his casual Superman-type diving play in center field and the latter making a Derek Jeter running-into-the-tarp-type play in the ninth inning.
But neither or those plays matched the memorability of Acuña’s.
“His accuracy is stupid,” manager Brian Snitker said. “He’s a weapon in right field because his arm is so strong and accurate, the ball carries, the release is good. He’s special out there.”
“That was like a Roberto Clemente throw,” Snitker said.
Atlanta entered the All-Star break 12.5 games back in the NL East and 11 games below .500, leaving many to wonder if the team’s postseason hopes were already in the rearview mirror at the halfway mark.
Friday’s win showed fans what was expected of the team entering the season. Strider pitched six strong innings, allowing just three hits and striking out eight. Ozzie Albies cranked a three-run home run in the sixth inning and had four RBIs on the day. The team jumped out to an early lead on RBI doubles from Acuna and Matt Olson.
It was a textbook win where nearly everything seemed to go right.
“You never know what shape you’re going to be in after you’ve had some time off,” Snitker said. “Guys came out, swung the bats well, played really good defense … it wasn’t easy for (Strider), but he grinded his way through six innings, which is pretty good. Really good.”
Acuña was slotted into the No. 3 spot in Friday’s lineup, something that has happened since Saturday when third baseman Austin Riley was placed on the 10-day injured list with a strained right abdomen.
Normally a leadoff hitter, Acuña has performed well at the No. 3 hole with Jurickson Profar taking the leadoff spot. Acuña seemed to think that when Riley returns from his injury – he took batting practice today and felt much better – next week that he’ll shift back into the leadoff spot.
Snitker isn’t so sure.
“I kind of like (Acuña) there,” Snitker said. “I’ve always kind of envisioned him being that guy. When you can put Austin wherever, it leads to really good … I kind of like the flow of what that does right now.”
The Braves wrap up their three-game series against New York Sunday before the San Francisco Giants come to town for three. Saturday’s game against the Yankees will be broadcast live on Atlanta News First.
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