Ronald Acuna’s brilliant week was rewarded Monday afternoon.
MLB announced Acuna as the National League player of the week for Aug. 13-19. He hit .464 with four homers, including three straight leadoff shots against the Marlins.
“It’s a great honor,” Acuna said through an interpreter. “It’s a reminder and testament to the hard work and discipline of being a professional baseball player, and the difficulty and hard work it takes to maintain that.”
Acuna posted a .559 on-base percentage, knocked in nine runs, scored 11 and also stole three bases. Marlins starter Jose Urena intentionally hit him with the first pitch of Tuesday’s game, and while Acuna exited that night, he didn’t miss any more action.
“Pretty neat,” manager Brian Snitker said. “These last 10 days, it’s something else. I heard somebody make the comment, ‘He’s going to win player of the week on Tuesday.’ It’s well-deserved. It’s good to be recognized.”
The rookie sensation has been a godsend since moving to the leadoff spot. He’s ignited the Braves offense and helped put the team in first place in the NL East with six weeks remaining.
“It’s not something that’s given to you; you have to work hard and take it,” Acuna said of his award. “It was a week filled with blessings. It was a week dedicated to hard work.”
