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Acuña Jr. Criticizes Braves Manager Over Handling of Kelenic's Hustle Lapse

The Braves star highlighted a perceived double standard in discipline as he nears a potential return from ACL recovery.

Chris Sale #51, Jarred Kelenic #24, Michael Harris II #23 and Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves walk off the field in the sixth inning against the Boston Red Sox at Truist Park on May 8, 2024 in Atlanta, Georgia.
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Overview

  • Ronald Acuña Jr. called out Braves manager Brian Snitker in a now-deleted social media post, criticizing the lack of disciplinary action against Jarred Kelenic for failing to hustle on a play during Saturday's game.
  • Acuña referenced his 2019 benching for a similar baserunning mistake, contrasting it with Snitker's dismissive 'Was I supposed to?' response to Kelenic's error.
  • Kelenic has since apologized for his mistake, stating he needs to 'be better,' but his starting role may be in jeopardy as Acuña's return approaches.
  • Acuña, recovering from a torn ACL suffered in May 2024, has been cleared to begin cutting in his rehab and is targeting a May return to the Braves' lineup.
  • The incident has brought renewed scrutiny to player-manager dynamics and consistency in enforcing team standards, especially as the Braves look to rebound from a slow start to the season.