The Braves scratched outfielder Ronald Acuna from their lineup Tuesday because of soreness in his left wrist.
Acuna was scratched around 90 minutes before first pitch in the Bronx, where the Braves were opening a two-game series against the New York Yankees. The Braves lost 9-6.
Manager Brian Snitker said Acuna is day-to-day. He’ll be further evaluated Wednesday in New York.
“It was enough that he couldn’t play,” Snitker said after the game. “He couldn’t play today. They’ll look at him (Wednesday) morning. I don’t know 100% when it happened. I think it was diving back into a base. I wasn’t even aware of it. He felt it right before the game and they didn’t want to take any chances.”
Ender Inciarte replaced Acuna in center field, with Adam Duvall and Marcell Ozuna manning the left and right corners, respectively. The Braves also tweaked their lineup, moving shortstop Dansby Swanson to Acuna’s leadoff spot and designated hitter Travis d’Arnaud from fifth into Swanson’s second spot. Inciarte hit ninth.
Second baseman Ozzie Albies, Acuna’s teammate and best friend, has been on the 10-day injured list with his own (right) wrist soreness because of a bone bruise that he tried playing through. Snitker said to this point, there’s no indication that Acuna’s soreness is similar to what Albies experienced.
“I’m not concerned until after they check him out,” Snitker said. “Then we’ll see. They’re going to have the doctors look at him tomorrow and we’ll have a little more for you tomorrow afternoon.”
Acuna, 22, had played in each of the Braves’ 18 games entering Tuesday. He’s hit .258 with four homers, nine RBIs and 12 runs scored. Acuna has caught fire since a slow start, including three home runs against the Phillies in Sunday’s doubleheader.
