Braves All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr. leaves game vs. Nationals after hit-by-pitch on left hand
Acuña's career has been repeatedly derailed by injury. He was hit twice Monday night by Nationals starter Jake Irvin.
Atlanta Braves All-Star Ronald Acuña Jr. left Monday’s game against the Nationals after Washington starter Jake Irvin hit him on the left hand with a fastball. The hit-by-pitch was the second of the night for Acuña on an offering from Irvin.
The pitch that knocked Acuña out of the game took place in the top of the sixth inning as Washington held a 3-2 lead. Irvin hit Acuña with a 91 mph fastball on an 0-1 count. Acuña immediately recoiled in pain, then shot a glare at Irvin as the Washington home crowd booed the proceedings.
#Braves ' Ronald Acuña Jr. has been replaced by Eli White in right field. pic.
twitter. com/1k48ee69o9 — Aaron Schmidt (@AaronTSchmidt) April 21, 2026 Acuña was able to take first base and eventually came around to score as Atlanta posted five runs in the inning to take a 7-3 lead. But he didn’t return to his place in right field.