3 Atlanta Braves injuries that could doom chances of World Series repeat
By Kevin Henry
The Atlanta Braves have put themselves in a position to defend their World Series title, but could injuries to key players short-circuit their chances of repeating?
Heading into Sunday’s series finale against the New York Mets at Truist Park, the Atlanta Braves find themselves one game up in the National League East with four games to play. It’s a certainty that the Braves will make the postseason. Now it’s just a matter of whether they will be able to keep the division lead and earn the postseason bye that comes along with it.
Knowing they’re heading to the postseason, the Braves can now focus on optimal roster construction to give them the best chance to return to the Fall Classic. Part of that roster construction, however, depends on how some of their injured players respond to treatment and when they can return.
1) Braves can’t afford injury to Ronald Acuña
One key piece of the Braves is playing through his injury at the moment, with Ronald Acuña Jr. battling soreness in his surgically repaired right knee on a daily basis. Putting up a .253/.295/.444 slash line since September 1, the dynamic outfielder has said that his knee feels “terrible” but is pushing through the pain to help the Braves have the best chance to repeat as World Series champions.
Atlanta manager Brian Snitker will be keeping an eye on Acuña to make sure he is able to play, but if the Braves were to lose Acuna for a stretch because of his knee, it would be a big blow to the offense.