ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) – Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. told media on Wednesday that he apologized to manager Brian Snitker and his teammates for his critical post on X — formerly Twitter — accusing Snitker of a double standard.
“It’s all in the past and we’re here now,” Acuña said through an interpreter. “We’re moving on. It was just a moment of frustration for me.”
Acuña, who’s on a rehab assignment as he works his way back from ACL surgery, was with the team in Atlanta on Wednesday and is set to start for the Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers on Thursday, which will air on Peachtree Sports Network.
On April 19 against the Minnesota Twins, Braves outfielder Jarred Kelenic was thrown out at second base after admiring a long drive that hit off the top of the right-field wall.
Kelenic remained in the game and was included in Sunday’s lineup, as if the lack of hustle had gone unnoticed. The next morning, Acuña posted on social media referencing Kelenic’s actions and said, “If it were me, they would take me out of the game.”
It was a moment of frustration. A moment that sparked unnecessary attention in the sports world and beyond.
“I was just frustrated with my situation of being able to return to the team,” Acuña said. “I’m coming off a second major injury, I’m in Florida, away from my teammates and the team was struggling.”
Despite Atlanta’s 5-4 loss to the Washington Nationals on Wednesday, the Braves have been playing their best baseball all year. They reached the .500 mark for the first time this season on Tuesday, and are 21-15 since starting the season 0-7.
There’s no doubt Acuña’s presence will be a welcome one. It’d be a welcome one for any ballclub.
Players can’t remain on a rehab assignment for more than 20 days, meaning the latest Ronald Acuña Jr. could return is June 1. But the 2023 NL MVP could make his return any time within the next couple of weeks. Either way, he’ll be ready.
“I’m super excited to be back,” Acuña said. “I’m just peaked with anxiety, just trying to rush back to be able to play with the guys and rejoin the team.”