Acuna playing – Ronald Acuna Jr. was removed from Thursday’s game after an injury scare, but he’s back in the Braves lineup on Friday—batting first and playing right field—after being diagnosed with a bone bruise in his left thumb and receiving X-rays that came back negative.
Ronald Acuna Jr. didn’t finish Thursday’s game, and Atlanta Braves fans spent the evening holding their breath. On Friday, they finally got the update they wanted.
Acuna is back in the lineup, batting first and playing right field as Atlanta opens a three-game series against the Washington Nationals. The scare that sent him out came after he was removed from Thursday’s game.
The diagnosis for Acuna’s left thumb is a bone bruise. X-rays returned negative, and the Braves are moving forward with him one day later. Even with that green light, the organization will keep a close watch on the situation—especially with the risk of any setback being the last thing Atlanta wants.
That caution carries extra weight because Acuna has dealt with injuries throughout his career. Through 37 games in 2025, he’s hitting .261 with two home runs, 11 RBIs and seven stolen bases. While injuries have limited his time at times. his recent form offers a quick reminder of what the Braves believe they’re getting once he’s fully on track.
Over his last seven games, Acuna is hitting .364. The overall numbers may not look like peak-year volume, but the stretch has been meaningful.
Atlanta’s confidence in Acuna isn’t new. He earned his fifth All-Star nomination in 2025 in 95 games, posting a .290 average with 21 home runs, 42 RBIs and nine stolen bases. As the Braves push for a deep playoff run, Acuna remains central to their plans.
The stakes in the NL East are already clear. With the Braves sitting at 35-16, they hold a 10-game lead over the Nationals. With Acuna atop the lineup on Friday, Atlanta will aim to make that cushion grow to 11.
Ronald Acuna Jr Atlanta Braves Washington Nationals bone bruise left thumb injury MLB All-Star nomination NL East
Bone bruise sounds like nothing but I still don’t trust it.
So X-rays were negative but he still sat out… that’s kinda confusing. Braves fans probably celebrated too early, I feel like these thumb things linger forever.
Wait reply to what? He’s playing right field and batting first already? I’m guessing it’s not really a bone bruise, it’s more like they’re just rushing him to keep the 10 game lead.
Honestly the Braves always say “we’ll keep a close watch” and then it’s like a week of drama. Thumb injuries can mess up hitting so quick. Also .364 in the last 7 games—of course they bring him back the second the numbers look good, smh.