Before Ronald Acuna made his much-anticipated spring debut Saturday against the Astros, the Braves’ 20-year-old phenom demonstrated one of the five tools that’s helped make him the consensus No. 1 prospect in baseball.
Power hitting.
Acuna went 0-for-3 with two strikeouts during the 6-1 loss to the Astros at The Ballpark of the Palm Beaches, but few who were in attendance for batting practice will soon forget the show he put on.
Acuna hit several towering fly balls that bounced off an Astros office building/clubhouse, far over the left-field fence and over the bullpen and grass berm beyond the fence.
The wiry-strong Venezuelan hit one line drive that caromed off the building, drawing oohs and ahhs from early arriving fans and a similar if more subdued reaction from those around the batting cage -- including veteran baseball writer and ESPN analyst Tim Kurkjian, who heard plenty about the kid before Saturday and wanted to see for himself.
Acuna started the game in center field and batted third in a lineup that included three of the Braves’ best position-player prospects: Acuna, catcher Alex Jackson and third baseman Austin Riley, who served as designated hitter.
Acuna’s aggressiveness apparent from the outset as he swung at most pitches, not content to “track” pitches and get settled in before he tried to show what he could do. He struck out with a runner at first base and one out in the first inning and struck out with none out after Charlie Culberson’s leadoff triple in the sixth.
“I think he’s got a lot of expectations riding on him, no doubt,” said Braves pitching prospect Mike Soroka, who also made his spring debut Saturday and played with Acuna last season in the minor leagues. “And I think that coming into this year he’s maybe trying a little too much right now, but he’ll settle in. He just trusts his skill because it’s through the roof. I mean, he’s got more skill than anybody I’ve ever seen play, or played with.
“Of course he wants to do some damage right away. I don’t think you can blame him for that. He’s an aggressive hitter and more often than not, once he gets his rhythm, those swings and misses are going to turn into scorched baseballs.”
Braves manager Brian Snitker agreed with Soroka’s assessment and prediction for Acuna.
“I’ve got no doubt either, once he sees some pitches,” said Snitker, who believes that Acuna has done a terrific job handling the pressure that comes with his prospect status. “Just watching him, I think this kid has so much confidence in his abilities and what he’s got going on. He’s going to see pitches that he’s never seen before as he goes, but I think the confidence that he has in his abilities. ...
“He’s kind of grown up with (the pressure) last year and lived with it all winter. I don’t think he could wait to get down here and start playing.”
Riley is scheduled to start at third base Sunday against the Nationals, and Acuna will serve as DH.
