Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. (thumb) exits game but hopes to play Friday

Field Level Media|published: Thu 21st May, 23:42 2026

May 21, 2026; Miami, Florida, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna (13) hits a two-run single against the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning at loanDepot Park. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves pulled right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. in the sixth inning of their Thursday game against the Miami Marlins due to pain in his left thumb, but the ailment isn't considered serious.

Manager Walt Weiss said X-rays on the thumb were negative, though Acuna received a bone bruise. Acuna hopes to play on Friday when Atlanta opens a series against the visiting Washington Nationals, he and Weiss said.

Prior to being replaced by Eli White, Acuna went 2-for-3 with a two-run single as the host Braves built a 6-2 lead in Miami. Atlanta went on to win 9-3.

Acuna has gone 4-for-11 (.364) with five runs in three games since being reinstated from the injured list on Monday. The five-time All-Star had missed 14 games because of a left hamstring injury.

In 37 games this season, the 28-year-old Venezuela native has posted a .261/.370/.384 slash line with two home runs, 11 RBIs and seven stolen bases. His .754 OPS ranks as the second-worst of his nine-year career -- trailing only his 2024 campaign that ended in May due to a torn ACL in his left knee.

--Field Level Media

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