Braves scratch OF Acuna with back tightness

Thu, Sep 22, 2022
MLB News (AP)

PHILADELPHIA (AP) - The Atlanta Braves scratched Ronald Acuna Jr. on Thursday night because of back tightness.

The 24-year-old Acuna had started Atlanta's previous 19 games. The three-time All-Star has appeared in 110 games overall since returning in late April after a torn right ACL ended his 2021 season.

Acuna is hitting .270 with 13 homers, 46 RBIs and 28 stolen bases this season.

Robbie Grossman replaced Acuna in right field for the opener of a four-game series at Philadelphia. Dansby Swanson moved into the leadoff spot.

The Braves trailed the idle New York Mets by one game in the NL East standings heading into Thursday's action.

There was no other word from the Braves on the severity of Acuna's back tightness or a potential timeline for a return.

___

More AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports