After being scratched from spring training action on Friday with a sore right knee, Atlanta Braves’ star and reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. is going to have his knee examined by a doctor.

The team doesn’t think it’s anything serious but it’s still sure to cause some tense moments in Atlanta for the next few days.

Per o of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuna Jrgetting his knee looked at by a doctor, “just to make sure,” Brian Snitker said. It’s not an MRI, Snitker said. 

One of the best players in baseball, Acuna Jr. is just 26 years old. He is already a four-time All-Star, a three-time Silver Slugger, a Rookie of the Year and an MVP winner. He also was part of the Braves’ 2021 World Series roster, though he was unable to play after tearing his ACL. The same knee that’s bothering him now is the one he had surgery on.

Acuna Jr. is coming off one of the best seasons we’ve ever seen before, having hit .337 with 41 homers and 73 RBI. He also posted a .416 on-base percentage.

Lifetime, he’s a .292 hitter with 161 homers and 180 stolen bases. He helped the Braves win the National League East for the second straight year in 2023, and they’ll be favorites in the division in 2024, though the Los Angeles Dodgers and their loaded lineup figure to have a leg up as the favorite in the National League at this point.\

The Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker spoke about the reason for their disappointing end to the 2023 season. Braves have had a mixed start to their spring training campaign, finishing February with three wins, three losses and a tie.

During an episode of Foul Territory, Snitker criticized the league’s postseason system, specifically the five-day break given to the top seeds of both leagues

The Atlanta Braves had a fantastic regular season in the previous year, winning 104 games and qualifying for the postseason from the NL East. However, despite being the NL’s top seed, they failed to continue their winning streak and lost to their division rival, the Philadelphia Phillies, in the NLDS.

In the same interview, Snitker shared his plans to avoid a similar scenario in 2024. The Braves have strengthened their bullpen this year to tackle the situation.