On Sunday night, Ronald Acuña Jr. was struck with devastating news: for the second time in less than three years, he will require season-ending knee surgery. During the Braves’ 8-1 victory over the Pirates at PNC Park, Acuña suffered a complete tear of the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee, as confirmed by an MRI. This setback will force the reigning National League MVP to undergo the challenging and lengthy recovery process he previously faced after tearing his right ACL midway through the 2021 season.

Since winning the National League Rookie of the Year award in 2018, Acuña has emerged as one of the most dynamic players in the league. His extraordinary talent was evident last season, when he was named National League Most Valuable Player, becoming the only player in Major League history to achieve a season with over 40 home runs and more than 70 stolen bases.

Acuña's frustration over the early months of 2024 has intensified with this season-ending injury. Despite a challenging season where he managed thirteen extra-base hits and posted a .250 average with a .716 OPS, there were signs of improvement in his recent performance. Over his last 31 at-bats, he recorded four extra-base hits, including a leadoff double on Sunday, suggesting that his potential was beginning to resurface.

Recovering from such an injury is always physically and mentally demanding, and now, with two knee surgeries behind him, Acuña faces the challenge of reaffirming his place among the elite players in the league.