Ronald Acuna Jr. Conducts Emotional Interview After Being Removed From Braves-Royals originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Ronald Acuna Jr. is one of the most talented baseball players on the planet. The former National League MVP, NL Rookie of the Year, has accomplished some of the more impressive feats on a Major League Baseball field in the history of the game.
However, Acuna Jr.'s biggest obstacle has remained staying healthy and on the field throughout his eight-year MLB career. The 27-year-old, Atlanta Braves outfielder started the 2025 season on the injured list.
After tearing his ACL in his left knee in May of 2024 (he tore his ACL in his right knee in 2021), Acuna Jr. made his season debut this year on May 23. He wasted little time returning to form, as he was batting .309 with 14 home runs, 26 RBIs, and 48 runs scored in 54 games heading into Tuesday's game between the Braves and Kansas City Royals.
Unfortunately for Acuna Jr., the injury bug popped up again. He was removed from the game during the sixth inning. The culprit is being listed as tightness in his right Achilles tendon. He has already been placed on the 10-day IL.
Following the game, Acuna Jr. conducted an emotional interview, via a translator, where he can be seen fighting back tears.
An emotional Ronald Acuña Jr. meets with the media after leaving Tuesday's Braves game with right Achilles tightness.
The 2023 NL MVP missed most of the 2024 season with a torn ACL in his left knee (and suffered a torn ACL in his right knee in 2021). #MLBpic.twitter.com/5jwjPzunHi
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) July 30, 2025
It appears that Acuna Jr. hurt himself on Monday, then let his coaching and training staff know, however, the decision to play on Tuesday was ultimately left in his own hands.
"Yeah, I think it definitely got worse today. I told them yesterday and everyone said hey, take the day if you want, you can have the day off. I said no, I 've just missed so much time already through with injuries, I don't want to miss any more time," Acuna Jr. said via his translator.
He was then asked if he fears something is torn or broken.
"Yeah, of course. It's an injury, I'm worried. It's just pain, but I feel it a lot when I try to put pressure on it."
And finally, he was asked what the plan of action is moving forward, as he's now on the IL.
"They'll examine me tomorrow, and we'll see how it goes."
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 30, 2025, where it first appeared.
