Latest news with #Acuña
Fox Sports
5 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Fox Sports
Who is Luisangel Acuña? Mets infielder dishes on food, family and brother Ronald
LOS ANGELES - Who is Luisangel Acuna? He's a 23-year-old New York Mets infielder from Venezuela, April's National League Rookie of the Month and the younger brother of Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. The younger Acuña was one of the Texas Rangers' top prospects when the Mets acquired him in exchange for Max Scherzer in July 2023. The speedy, slick-fielding middle infielder made his Major League debut last September and has been with the Mets since Opening Day this year. Before the Acuña brothers get set to face each other for the first time later this month (Luisangel traveled to Atlanta with the Mets late last year, but Ronald was still recovering from his torn ACL at the time), we caught up with Luisangel during the Mets' trip to Los Angeles this week to get to know him better. (Note: Questions and answers were through an interpreter and may be edited for clarity or brevity.) If you were to ask your family and friends to describe you as a person, what would they say? They would say I'm a happy guy, that I'm the type of person who will fight and do whatever to achieve their dreams. And that I'm a humble person, that's what they would say. What do you like to do when you're not at the field? I like to be with family. I like to go out to the rivers where I'm from, because we're kind of on the coast of Venezuela, so I like to go to the rivers with my family and spend time there. What do you like to do there? Sometimes we'll go there and have, like, a barbecue, grilling there and just hanging out. What's your go-to meal when you're back home? Whenever I go to Venezuela, I have to have fish. How does the fish compare here? Here, in the states, I just eat salmon. Are you a cook yourself? No, no. Who's the best cook in your family? I think my grandmother's the best one. My mom's a close second, but I think my grandmother's the best one. How much do you miss that home cooking? I don't miss it too much just because in New York there are a lot of Latin restaurants I can go to, and I can order arepas or whatever I want, so I can get my fix that way. You won the NL Rookie of the Month Award in April. What did that mean to you or show you? It felt good. I didn't know I had won it until they told me when I got here. My brother called me, congratulated me, but it was definitely an honor to be able to win an award like that. You mentioned chatting with your brother. How much have you leaned on Ronald going through the ups and downs of a season? Yeah, whenever we're in Venezuela, we train a lot together. The thing he always tells me is whenever I go out to play, be consistent, have the same type of discipline and work hard. How competitive were you guys growing up? Yeah, I would say we're competitive, but it's like a fun competition. It's one of those where he's just challenging me to get better. For instance, whoever has more hits this month, the one who loses pays for a dinner or something like that. But it's really just innocent competition. I heard you liked basketball growing up. Who's the better basketball player? My brother's better than me. He's taller than I am. Do you have the edge anywhere? Is there an activity where you're like, 'I'm better than him' in this? I'm faster than him. Last September, Ronald was injured when you went to Atlanta. Now, you're set to face him later this month. How much have you guys thought about that trip? Even before he came back from his injury this year, he had been telling me, 'Hey, the Mets are going to come in June.' So, I know he's been really excited about that potential opportunity. Rowan Kavner is an MLB writer for FOX Sports. He previously covered the L.A. Dodgers, LA Clippers and Dallas Cowboys. An LSU grad, Rowan was born in California, grew up in Texas, then moved back to the West Coast in 2014. Follow him on Twitter at @RowanKavner . Check out the best moments between the New York Mets and the Washington Nationals! recommended Get more from Major League Baseball Follow your favorites to get information about games, news and more
Yahoo
a day ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
MLB All-Star ballot: Will Juan Soto make it in deep NL field that includes Pete Crow-Armstrong, Corbin Carroll and James Wood?
We are only 41 days away from the 2025 MLB All-Star Game, which will take place on July 15 at Truist Park in Atlanta. Voting officially opened Wednesday at noon ET. Here's a preview of the ballot — the frontrunners, the contenders and the likeliest outcomes to start the Midsummer Classic. Remember, the starters are determined by fan vote. This is indeed a popularity contest. National League Outfield Statistical frontrunners: Pete Crow-Armstrong (CHC), James Wood (WAS), Corbin Carroll (ARI) Other contenders: Ronald Acuña Jr. (ATL), Kyle Tucker (CHC), Teoscar Hernández (LAD), Andy Pages (LAD), Juan Soto (NYM), Oneil Cruz (PIT), Fernando Tatis Jr. (SD), Jackson Merrill (SD), Heliot Ramos (SFG), Jung Hoo Lee (SFG), Lars Nootbaar (STL) Likely outcome: Crow-Armstrong, Carroll, Acuña Advertisement This group is significantly stronger, deeper and more interesting than what the American League has to offer. Crow-Armstrong and Carroll feel like locks, PCA because of how good the Cubs have played and Carroll because he's been a staple for a few years now. Wood, in his first full season, certainly deserves that last spot behind his 16 homers, but he's fighting an uphill battle. Acuña missed the first seven weeks of the season, but has looked spectacular since returning. The Nats might have a better record than the Braves right now (by a half game), but Acuña's name recognition, injury comeback storyline and the fact that the All-Star Game is in Atlanta might just push him past Wood. As for Soto, the $765 million man, the tide is starting to turn. It was an ugly start by his supersonic standards, one that has Soto working from a statistical deficit in regards to an All-Star starting spot. And yet, with three homers in his past four games heading into Wednesday, the Mets outfielder seems to be rounding into form. A classic Soto heater would put him right back in the mix. Designated hitter Statistical frontrunner: Shohei Ohtani (LAD) Other contenders: Kyle Schwarber (PHI), Marcell Ozuna (ATL), Seiya Suzuki (CHC) Likely outcome: Ohtani Advertisement The man who hit 54 bombs and swiped 59 bags last year hasn't stolen a base since May 5. Thankfully, Ohtani, whose baserunning passiveness is probably related to his pitching comeback, is still cranking homers. Schwarber, Ozuna and Suzuki have all been outstanding and there's a good shot they all make the team as reserves, but Ohtani's numbers are just flat-out better. Oh, he's also the most famous ballplayer on the planet who will once again dominate the fan vote. Catcher Statistical frontrunner: Will Smith (LAD) Other contenders: Carson Kelly (CHC), Drake Baldwin (ATL), Sean Murphy (ATL), Ivan Herrera (STL), Gabriel Moreno (ARI) Likely outcome: Smith Smith has elevated his offense this year, thanks to better health and more days off behind the dish. His numbers lap the rest of this group, but there's a decent chance Smith decides to skip the festivities. The Dodgers finish the first half in San Francisco and start the second half in L.A., that's a lot of travel for a player who needs every last bit of rest. Advertisement The rest of this group is really fun, with exciting youngsters (Baldwin and Herrera), an emerging star (Moreno), an encouraging bounce-back (Murphy) and an out-of-nowhere ascension (Kelly). First base Statistical frontrunner: Freddie Freeman (LAD) Other contenders: Pete Alonso (NYM), Bryce Harper (PHI), Michael Busch (CHC) Likely outcome: Freeman Last week, I asked Freeman if he was excited to head back to Atlanta, where he spent 12 seasons, for the All-Star Game. He told me that he hadn't thought about it because he hadn't been voted in yet. I thought that was hilariously humble, considering how incredible the Dodger first baseman has been this year. Alonso has cooled off slightly after a stellar April, but should be in Atlanta as a reserve. Second base Statistical frontrunner: Brendan Donovan (STL) Other contenders: Ketel Marte (ARI), Brice Turang (MIL), Nico Hoerner (CHC) Likely outcome: Donovan Advertisement Numbers-wise, it's not particularly close. Donovan laps all other NL second baseman (except Marte who missed a lot of time with injury) in most offensive categories. He's been a massive part of St. Louis' surprising first half. Marte is healthy now and could catch up to Donovan by the end of June. Turang and Hoerner are both amazing defenders with baserunning prowess, bat-to-ball mastery and paltry power numbers. Shortstop Statistical frontrunner: Francisco Lindor (NYM) Other contenders: Geraldo Perdomo (ARI), CJ Abrams (WAS), Trea Turner (PHI), Likely outcome: Lindor Somehow, Lindor has never appeared in an All-Star Game as a New York Met. Last season, his snub almost caused a rebellion in Queens. Rest easy, Mets fans, Lindor will run away with the starting spot this go-round. For a while, Perdomo's stats were comparable to Lindor's, but Arizona's gregarious shortstop has cooled off somewhat over the past month. Third base Statistical frontrunners: Manny Machado (SD), Matt Chapman (SF) Other contenders: Austin Riley (ATL), Max Muncy (LAD), Eugenio Suárez (ARI) Likely outcome: Machado Advertisement This comes down to a matter of personal preference: offense or defense. Machado's bat has kept San Diego right up there with the mighty Dodgers, while Chapman's glove has kept San Francisco within striking distance. There's no bad choice here, but Machado feels like the favorite considering voters dig the long ball. American League Outfield Statistical frontrunner: Aaron Judge (NYY) Other contenders: George Springer (TOR), Steven Kwan (CLE), Riley Greene (DET), Kerry Carpenter (DET), Byron Buxton (MIN), Lawrence Butler (ATH), Trent Grisham (NYY), Julio Rodríguez (SEA) Likely outcome: Judge, Kwan, Grisham Let's not waste time praising Judge, the best hitter on Earth. Behind him, it's a bit of a hodgepodge. Springer is having a fantastic bounce-back offensive campaign, but is such a blah defender now that he's DH'ed almost as much as he's been in the grass. Carpenter and Greene have helped propel Detroit to baseball's best record. The über-talented Buxton has stayed healthy. Butler is an Atlanta native with a .976 OPS over the past month. Julio is still searching for an offensive explosion, but the floor remains high. Advertisement But Kwan and Grisham should have the edge. Kwan led off last year's All-Star Game and has been just as good this year. Grisham has sustained his shocking breakout and looks poised to ride the Yankee voting wave to a starting spot. Designated hitter Statistical frontrunners: Rafael Devers (BOS), Ryan O'Hearn (BAL) Other contenders: Ben Rice (NYY), Brent Rooker (ATH) Likely outcome: Devers The decision to make Devers a full-time DH has caused drama in Boston, but the man himself is thriving. With 12 homers and a .918 OPS, Devers is enjoying a career year. Chucking his glove into the dumpster has done wonders for the big-swinging, chaw-chomping slugger. He'll cruise to a fan vote victory, but don't overlook O'Hearn, who currently has the superior statline. The impending free agent has been one of the few bright spots on the catastrophically disappointing Orioles. Only five hitters have a higher OPS: Aaron Judge, Freddie Freeman, Shohei Ohtani, Cal Raleigh and Kyle Schwarber. He might be Baltimore's lone All-Star. Catcher Statistical frontrunners: Cal Raleigh (SEA) Other contenders: Carlos Narváez (BOS), Dillon Dingler (DET), Austin Wells (NYY) Likely outcome: Raleigh Advertisement Raleigh is putting together one of the greatest offensive seasons we've ever seen from a backstop and is a near lock to start his first All-Star Game. As of Wednesday, his 23 homers were tied with Shohei Ohtani for the MLB lead. In a world without Aaron Judge, he'd be the runaway AL MVP favorite. With All-Star stalwarts Adley Rutschman and Salvador Perez stuck in the muck, don't be shocked if an under-the-radar name like Narváez or Dingler sneaks onto the roster. First base Statistical frontrunner: Jonathan Aranda (TB) Other contenders: Spencer Torkelson (DET), Vladimir Guerrero Jr. (TOR), Paul Goldschmidt (NYY) Likely outcome: Guerrero Aranda currently leads AL first basemen in OPS (.916) and OPS+ (162), a sentence no one expected to write this year. But he's (1) not a big name (2) plays for the Rays (3) isn't that far ahead of these other guys statistically. The narrative juice isn't there for him to win the fan vote. Advertisement Torkelson, a former No. 1 overall draft pick, was tracking like a bust for a long while. He's been the best hitter on the team with the best record. At 37 years old, Goldschmidt appeared to be entering the decline phase of a legendary career. Instead, he's turned back the clock to hit .327 for a Yankee team that tops the AL in most offensive categories. Still, Guerrero's fame — and that $500 million extension — will likely win out. Even if his season has been excellent rather than transcendent, the name carries weight and he's only a few hot weeks away from reasserting himself as the AL's best first baseman. Second base Statistical frontrunner: Gleyber Torres (DET) Other contenders: Brandon Lowe (TB), Jackson Holliday (BAL) Likely outcome: Torres Torres was an All-Star in 2018 and 2019, but spent his final five years in The Bronx failing to recapture that form. This season, his first outside New York, the now-bearded infielder is having an offensive renaissance. Gleyber's glove is gold in a different way (it looks really heavy when he plays because, boy, he's a rough defender), but the bat has been so good that it won't matter. It's been a nice sophomore year from the 21-year-old Holliday, who could leap into the starting conversation with a strong June. Shortstop Statistical frontrunners: Jeremy Peña (HOU), Jacob Wilson (ATH) Other contenders: Bobby Witt Jr. (KC), Gunnar Henderson (BAL), Zach Neto (LAA) Likely outcome: Witt Advertisement Right now, Peña vs. Wilson is a statistical toss-up. Peña looks like the dynamic force he teased during the 2022 postseason, while Wilson is a ball-in-play machine and the AL Rookie of the Year frontrunner. Neto, if not for an injury that kept him sidelined until April 18, would be right there. But Witt's stardom should win the day. After a runner-up MVP finish in 2024, Witt has taken a modest step back, and yet, still has a line that most players would kill for (.287/.346/.494 with 20 steals and elite defense). He's a household name and should be the starter in Atlanta unless he forgets how to play baseball between now and then. Third base Statistical frontrunner: José Ramírez (CLE) Other contenders: Maikel Garcia (KC), Isaac Paredes (HOU), Junior Caminero (TB), Zack McKinstry (DET), Alex Bregman (BOS) Likely outcome: Ramírez Advertisement Had Bregman not gotten injured, he might have challenged Ramírez for this spot. Instead, it will be the Guardians' talisman starting the All-Star Game at the hot corner for the fourth time. Ramírez currently has the highest OPS+ of his career, which is outrageous considering he'll have a plaque in Cooperstown some day. Among the other contenders, Caminero is the most intriguing name. The 21-year-old already has 14 long balls and would be an exhilarating presence in the Home Run Derby.
Time of India
29-05-2025
- Sport
- Time of India
Juan Soto vs Ronald Acuna Jr: Breaking down stats of MLB's next-generation greats
Image Source: Getty Juan Soto and Ronald Acuna Jr. are the two biggest young stars in baseball, and it all starts with fans being amazed at the skill they both possess. Soto is playing for the New York Mets, and Acuña is playing for the Atlanta Braves. Here is the comparison of all their stats in 2025 (hitting, power, and speed). Juan Soto and Ronald Acuna Jr's 2025 stats face-off In 2025, Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr. showed why they're baseball's top young talents, each shining in different ways. Soto had a batting average of .275 and knocked in 109 runs for the Mets, hitting 35 home runs, reports Thanks to 132 walks, he managed a .410 on-base percentage. Soto stayed on the field for every game and reached base in 139 of them, making him someone teams can trust. Acuña played in just 49 games for the Braves due to an injury, yet he still managed to hit at a 40% average, as well as homer 4 times and steal 16 bases.. His .539 wOBA and 105.3 mph average exit velocity show he hits hard and runs fast. Also Read: Aaron Judge vs Shohei Ohtani: Comparing head-to-head stats of MLB's most electrifying talents Soto's great at staying consistent and getting on base, while Acuña's speed and power make him exciting when healthy. Both are amazing, and their rivalry in the NL East makes their games super fun to watch. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Free P2,000 GCash eGift UnionBank Credit Card Apply Now Undo Fans love arguing over who's better. Injury impacts and future potential Injuries changed the 2025 season for both Soto and Acuña, but they're still set for big futures. Acuña missed 112 games after hurting his left knee on May 27, 2025, per Even so, he stole 16 bases and hit balls at 105.3 mph, showing he's a star when healthy. Soto played every single game, which is rare for an outfielder, proving he's always ready. His 5.5 WAR, according to FanGraphs, puts him among the best in the NL. Acuña should be back by May 2026, and his past, like hitting 40 homers and stealing nearly 40 bases in 2023, shows he could be an MVP again. Soto's .930 OPS and steady play make him a huge part of the Mets. Both players are young, in their mid-20s, so their rivalry could light up the NL East for years. Fans can't wait to see Acuña return and how he matches up with Soto's amazing consistency in 2026. Juan Soto and Ronald Acuña Jr. are more than just stats; they're baseball's future. Soto's knack for getting on base and playing every game makes him a Mets superstar, while Acuña's speed and power thrill Braves fans. Their 2025 seasons showed their skills, even with Acuña's injury. Soto's consistency gives him a small lead, but Acuña's exciting play keeps him close. As NL East rivals, their games are always a blast. Fans can watch them face off next on June 1, 2025, at 7:10 PM ET, when the Mets play the Braves. This game will be another big moment in their awesome rivalry. Get IPL 2025 match schedules , squads , points table , and live scores for CSK , MI , RCB , KKR , SRH , LSG , DC , GT , PBKS , and RR . Check the latest IPL Orange Cap and Purple Cap standings.
New York Post
27-05-2025
- Sport
- New York Post
Mets trying to navigate Luisangel Acuna playing time dilemma
Access the Mets beat like never before Join Post Sports+ for exciting subscriber-only features, including real-time texting with Mike Puma about the inside buzz on the Mets. Try it free Luisangel Acuña found himself sitting against a right-handed starter again on Monday, with Jeff McNeil at second, Brett Baty at third and Jared Young at DH. Carlos Mendoza said he wanted to get as many left-handed hitters in the lineup as possible against the White Sox— and that could continue to be the case with Chicago scheduled to go with righties the entire series. That led to Mendoza saying the Mets need to consider Acuña's development, since they value him playing on a regular basis as opposed to being limited to a defensive replacement on their roster. Luisangel Acuña celebrates after scoring during the Mets' win against the White Sox on May 26. Robert Sabo for the NY Post 'With Jared here and the way Brett is playing, [Acuña's] playing time against this stretch of a lot of righties, are some of the discussions we're having,'' Mendoza said. 'We've got to continue to help him and support him.' Acuña pinch ran for Francisco Alvarez in the eighth, got to third on a Brandon Nimmo single and scored the tying run on Juan Soto's sacrifice fly in a 2-1 win over Chicago. Afterward, Mendoza called Acuña 'a weapon' with his speed and his glove, but the Mets are monitoring his playing time. Luisangel Acuña slides to score during the Mets' win against the White Sox on May 26. Corey Sipkin for the NY Post 'When you're not getting everyday at-bats as a young player that's used to playing every day, it's hard to get in a rhythm,'' the manager said. 'We're doing everything we can to keep him sharp, also understanding playing time is huge.' Mendoza added they'll 'go day by day and week by week' with Acuña, who has a .579 OPS versus right-handed pitching and a .744 mark versus lefties. He's also just 7-for-43 with no extra-base hits, a walk and 10 strikeouts in his past 16 games Mark Vientos also sat versus a right-hander Monday, with Mendoza saying the third baseman is 'fine, good to go' after suffering abdominal discomfort. Sean Manaea's rehab from the strained oblique that's sidelined him since the spring is set to take another step forward Thursday, when the left-hander is scheduled to face batters for the first time since suffering the injury. CHECK OUT THE LATEST MLB STANDINGS AND METS STATS Among the hitters that will face Manaea is Jose Siri, who has been out since April 17 with a fractured left tibia. The outfielder took batting practice on the field over the weekend and is still going through his running program, although he hasn't yet begun to move side to side, according to Mendoza. Edwin Díaz tossed a scoreless ninth and hasn't allowed a hit in 27 straight at-bats, the longest streak in the majors. He also hasn't allowed an earned run in his past 12 outings, covering 12 ²/₃ innings. He's part of a bullpen that tossed 3 ¹/₃ shutout innings Monday, including another 1 ¹/₃ from Huascar Brazobán, whose nine scoreless innings of four outs or more top the majors. Nimmo returned to the lineup Monday for the first time since leaving Friday's game with a stiff neck. He entered Monday hitless in his previous 17 at-bats and had two hits. Delivering insights on all things Amazin's Sign up for Inside the Mets by Mike Puma, exclusively on Sports+ Thank you Enter your email address Please provide a valid email address. By clicking above you agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Enjoy this Post Sports+ exclusive newsletter! Check out more newsletters Pete Alonso's throwing woes didn't cost the Mets on Monday, but after a pair of nice diving plays at first base, he threw behind the pitcher covering first base. Clay Holmes and Brazobán each made the play.
San Francisco Chronicle
26-05-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Sub-.500 Braves remain optimistic thanks to Acuña's demonstration of power and good health in return
ATLANTA (AP) — The restored health of Ronald Acuña Jr. gives the Atlanta Braves reason for optimism despite again falling two games under .500 after losing two of three games to the San Diego Padres. Acuña played all three games against the Padres and immediately flashed his impressive all-around athleticism in his return after missing almost a full year following surgery on his left knee. In Friday night's 2-1 loss, the 2023 NL MVP hit the first pitch he saw 467 feet for a home run. The homer's exit velocity of 115.5 mph was the hardest hit ball by a Braves player this season. Acuña followed his dramatic first game back by hitting a 411-foot homer in Saturday's 7-1 win. He had a double and a walk in Sunday's 5-3 loss and was 4 for 12 in the three games. The homers were impressive, but perhaps most important to the Braves was the display of Acuña's all-around skills. He threw out Elias Díaz at second base on Friday night and added a 104.9 mph throw to the plate on Sunday just as Manny Machado slid safely. 'Absolutely insane. He's a beast,' Braves second baseman Ozzie Albies said. 'We all know he's got a cannon but that's impressive.' Acuña is making his second return from a major knee surgery. He tore his right ACL on July 10, 2021, and returned the following April. He was tentative at first in his 2022 comeback but looked far more confident against San Diego. He showed he could sprint to the right-field line to cut off hits before stopping quickly to make strong throws. Acuña confirmed he feels confident he's ready to flash his 2023 MVP skills. 'Yeah I think so,' Acuña said through translator Franco Garcia. 'To me that's just the culmination of all the work I put in throughout this whole time on my legs to be prepared for those moments, to be able to react and move the way I did in those moments and be confident in my legs and body.' The Braves are off on Monday. Manager Brian Snitker plans to play Acuña in each of their three games at Philadelphia in a series that begins on Tuesday night. 'It was awesome,' said Snitker when asked to describe Acuña's first three games. 'I think really good. His at-bats have been really good. Obviously the fielding, everything. I think he feels good. I think it's a good first series for him right there.' Snitker said Albies' two doubles on Sunday provide more reason a lineup also boosted by rookie catcher Drake Baldwin is ready for bigger things. 'I'm encouraged that we haven't played our best baseball yet and we're hanging right in there,' Snitker said. 'We have a lot of time for things to get really good. You know what, we're OK, really, where we're at. Everybody wants to be .500 and everything but there's so much baseball left.' Acuña's return was highly anticipated and helped the Braves draw sellout crowds in each game against San Diego, including 41,251 on Sunday. 'Incredible,' Acuña said of the support from the fans. 'Incredible to be back in front of the fans and even more incredible to be back home in front of them.' Albies said having Acuña as the leadoff hitter and right fielder is a good reason to expect better results for Atlanta. 'Oh, it's amazing,' said Albies of Acuña's impact. 'He brings a lot of energy to the lineup. We all see it. The fans love it. It's just great. When you see him going, the team goes with him. He gets something started when he's up there.'
