Braves fans come to defense of Ronald Acuña for ‘lazy’ description
By Mark Powell
In Game 4 of their NLDS series against the Phillies, Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña made a defensive mistake which led to JT Realmuto’s inside-the-park home run. He’s still getting called out for it days later.
Acuña is a tremendous talent, and a five-tool player at his best. Nonetheless, even the best baseball players make mistakes, and that’s exactly what happened with Acuña in Game 4.
On a deep fly ball to centerfielder Michael Harris II, the ball took a strange bounce off the outfield wall. Rather than Acuña backing up Harris II, as is the usual protocol, the All-Star right fielder was nowhere to be found. Braves radio announcer Joe Simpson insinuated that Acuña was lazy on the play, as if he failed to back up Harris II on purpose.
J.T. Realmuto's inside-the-park homer as heard on Braves radio... dude was sick of Acuña lmaoooooo pic.twitter.com/2Z9Xzhx48a
— Nick Piccone (@_piccone) October 15, 2022
Simpson went a little beyond what most radio announcers would save about a player of Acuña’s ilk. Sure, his mistake cost the Braves a run, but they likely weren’t winning that game regardless.
Braves fans come to Ronald Acuña’s defense
Acuña made a mistake, but his livelihood and effort should not be questioned because of it. This is the point most Braves fans made when they came to Acuña’s defense on social media.
Can we put the Acuna argument to bed once & for all? I mean enough is enough. It was one play that had no effect on the outcome of the game. We got our asses kicked, plain & simple. Our pitching staff gave up 24 runs and our offense only scored 13 runs in 4 games. That is why 1/2
— Jasoñ Reese (@jase1129) October 17, 2022
I know I follow the right ppl because all this Acuña slander I keep hearing about ain't on my TL
— Ash 🖤 (@iamAshland) October 17, 2022
How it feels constantly fighting off all the Snit and Acuña haters. https://t.co/xaD6jctS6Z
— Moose (@bravesmoose) October 17, 2022
If you listed all the reasons why the #Braves lost the series to the Phillies, Ronald #Acuna not chasing after a ball hit off the wall in left center wouldn’t be in the top 50
— Luke A (@Luke102452) October 17, 2022
“Acuña was caught ball-watching” would have sufficed. I’m sure he knows he made a mistake. Just like Rosario and Harris did. Just like every single member of the team did at various points during the postseason, including Snit. No need to question any one’s effort or desire. 🤦🏾♂️ pic.twitter.com/dLNdujzEmP
— Jonathann Jrade-Rice (@thefulton108) October 17, 2022
People really saying to trade Acuña either don’t know ball or are mentally challenged
— Atlanta Capybara (@capyatl) October 17, 2022
The Acuña slander on the tl is shocking
— Andrew (@andrewnotsicko) October 16, 2022
Like I’m sorry you’re unhappy with our five-tool, generational talent, your life must be so hard
That "black hole" Acuña had more hits than Riley, Swanson, Harris II, Ozuna, Rosario, Grossman, and Grissom combined. https://t.co/aE6Dex51A0
— Dayton from Nebraska (@BravesAmerica) October 16, 2022
I hate how everyone, including SO many in ATL media, is dogpiling on Acuña. Completely unnecessary when he was one of THREE offensive producers the whole series. https://t.co/6meJWkCabT
— Chase (@chasekj) October 17, 2022
People will continue to blame Acuña when Austin Riley has hit .067 in the series
— Braves Cold Takes (@BravesColdTakes) October 15, 2022
There’s plenty of blame to go around for Atlanta losing to the Phillies. Namely, Austin Riley, Dansby Swanson and some lackluster pitching from the starting staff. This team is still just one year removed from a World Series title. Prior to that, the Braves hadn’t won since 1996! How about some patience?
Even the greatest dynasties don’t win the championship every year. Alex Anthopoulos built Atlanta to contend long-term. Acuña is a major part of that effort, and it’d be best not to get on his bad side.
dark. Next. 3 Atlanta Braves who won’t be back next season and where they’ll go