Ronald Acuña Jr. had to raise the difficult on stealing bases, still succeeds (Video)

Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., even after a scary HBP on Monday, decided to take stealing bases to expert difficulty against the Marlins. 

There were some questions about if the Atlanta Braves would have Ronald Acuña Jr. on Tuesday for the start of a series in Miami against the rival Marlins after the superstar outfielder took a nasty hit-by-pitch to the shoulder on Monday against the Mets. Luckily for the Braves, he indeed suited up.

Atlanta’s leading MVP candidate not only played but led off the game with a double. But it was in the top of the sixth inning when he really had some fireworks.

Acuña, who has been a demon on the basepaths this year, walked and, with two outs, decided to try and make something happen. He took off to steal second base. With a full head of steam, though, he had a ton of momentum as he slid in the bag, which forced him to somersault over top of the bag. Miraculously, though, he was able to keep his oven-mitted hand on the bag and stay safe.

Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. somersaults for stolen base

Whenever you come into the game leading MLB in stolen bases, you have to make it harder on yourself. For Acuña, I guess that means adding some acrobatics to the mix.

The Braves probably would prefer it if their superstar laid off of the tumbling on the basepaths as they hope to keep him healthy for the entire season — but that doesn’t make it any less incredible that he was able to do a full front somersault over the base, hang on, and get his 14th stolen base of the year.

Stealing bases isn’t the only thing that Acuña has been doing on rookie mode this season, though. As of the bottom of the eight inning against the Marlins, he’s slashing .362/.449/.586 on the season with five home runs and 16 RBI. And again, he now has 14 swipe bags to his credit too.

MVP? Is it even a question when the guy is doing somersaults to add drama to his base-stealing while putting up those numbers?