Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna was in Sunday night’s lineup against the Phillies, meaning getting hit by a pitch in his left hand Saturday didn’t cost him a game.
Acuna exited in the seventh inning Saturday after Phillies reliever Sam Coonrod hit him with a 98-mph pitch. X-Rays were negative and Acuna was deemed day-to-day with a left-pinky finger contusion, which was the best-case scenario.
The Braves waited later than usual to announce their lineup Sunday. When they did, around 5:45 p.m., it featured Acuna atop the order, meaning his afternoon workout, which included swinging, went well. The Braves (16-17) were hosting the Phillies in the rubber game of their series. Acuna will have time to rest Monday when the team has an off day.
Acuna is having an MVP-caliber start. He’s hitting .313 with 10 homers, 22 RBIs and five stolen bases in 31 games.
