Latest news with #DavidOBrien
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Ronald Acuna Jr. removed from Braves-Royals game with Achilles issue
The post Ronald Acuna Jr. removed from Braves-Royals game with Achilles issue appeared first on ClutchPoints. In a game the Atlanta Braves really needed to win over the Kansas City Royals, disaster struck when star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. jogged off the field and exited the game with Achilles tightness. Breaking down what happened to the five-time All-Star in the sixth inning, The Athletic's David O'Brien broke down what he saw during the play and what it could mean for his future. Now granted, if Acuña Jr. is, in fact, okay, then this isn't the end of the world, but if the star outfielder misses significant time, it could all but end any opportunity to turn this nightmarish season around before it's too late. After starting off the season with a seven-game losing streak, the Braves have struggled to get much of anything going in 2025, winning just 12 series so far this season, including losses to the New York Yankees, San Francisco Giants, and Texas Rangers since the All-Star break. While the team could still pull out the series against the Royals, as they did win Game 1, it will be hard to do without Acuña Jr. available. Originally linked to multiple contending teams as a potential trade deadline acquisition, Acuña Jr. has been more or less made untouchable, with the Braves wanting to build around him instead of initiating a ground-up rebuild at the expense of their NL MVP. While that could still happen at some point in the future, at 45-60, it feels like the winds of change may soon be coming to Atlanta, with the franchise making major moves to set up their future one way or another. Related: Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. lands on IL after injury in loss to Royals Related: Braves rumors: Marcell Ozuna update surfaces as MLB trade deadline draws near
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Braves' Austin Riley goes on IL with lingering abdominal injury
The post Braves' Austin Riley goes on IL with lingering abdominal injury appeared first on ClutchPoints. On Sunday afternoon, the Atlanta Braves picked up a much-needed win against the Cincinnati Reds at Bristol Motor Speedway in Tennessee after the game was initially pushed back from Saturday due to weather. While it was a solid game from Atlanta, they did get some tough news in the form of an injury sustained by third baseman Austin Riley. Recently, David O'Brien of The Athletic broke down the next steps the Braves are taking in the wake of the ailment. '#Braves put Austin Riley back on the 10-day IL with a lower abdominal strain and recalled INF Nacho Alvarez Jr. from Triple-A Gwinnett,' reported O'Brien on X, formerly Twitter. O'Brien also noted that 'the team recalled INF Jonathan Ornelas and optioned OF Jarred Kelenic to Gwinnett.' It's been a tough season for Austin Riley in 2025, as he is one of the many Braves players who have shown regression from previous years amid what has overall been a disastrous campaign for Atlanta. The Braves entered this season with legitimate World Series contention hopes after not having won a playoff series since their championship win in 2021. However, a combination of significant regression from several important players along with some key injuries, particularly along the pitching staff, have kept the Braves well short of those lofty aspirations. Many expected the Braves to be sellers at the recent MLB trade deadline due to their record, but the team surprised fans by mostly remaining stagnant and holding onto the core that got them to their current record of 47-63. Still, major changes could be coming this offseason, with longtime manager Brian Snitker expected to retire and potentially more transactions on the way. In any case, the Braves will next take the field on Monday evening for the first game of a home series against the Milwaukee Brewers. Related: Braves' Eli White makes history at Speedway Classic Related: Braves' Austin Riley leaves Speedway Classic with injury after diving play
Yahoo
06-07-2025
- Business
- Yahoo
Braves make Ronald Acuña Jr. trade decision
Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. has been phenomenal since his return from his second ACL tear. His stolen base numbers may be down, but he is still one of the best players in baseball. Acuña was named an All-Star Game starter, despite not making his season debut until the end of May. While Acuña has been great, the Braves have underachieved and are fading out of contention. With that, rumors about the Braves trading Acuña are swirling. However, MLB insider Bob Nightengale revealed the team's stance on any Acuña trade. Advertisement "Atlanta has zero interest in trading Ronald Acuña Jr. Acuña is earning $17 million a year through 2026, and Atlanta has club options for $17 million in 2027 and 2028," wrote Nightengale. "He's not going anywhere." Acuña's contract is a bargain for the Braves. However, they would be wise to lock up their franchise player. They have a very talented roster, and even if they miss the postseason this year, their team is built to turn things around next year. They've dealt with some tough injury luck this season. Acuña has also made it clear he wants to stay in Atlanta for the rest of his career. "Outside of Venezuela, Atlanta is my second home, and I love being here," Acuña told The Athletic's David O'Brien. "I want to continue to be a member of this organization. I want to be in this organization for the rest of my career. I'm comfortable here. I like it here. I feel like I know everyone. And so for me it would just be a dream to be able to stay here." Follow The Sporting News On WhatsApp Acuña is now a five-time All-Star, three-time Silver Slugger and MVP Award winner. He is due for a raise, and the Braves should not entertain trading him. Instead, they should gear up to make him a Brave for life and continue to be aggressive in the pursuit of a championship. More MLB: Phillies-Red Sox trade pitch brings Alex Bregman to Philadelphia
Yahoo
24-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Chris Sale injury update
Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Chris Sale is on the 15-day injured list after fracturing his rib cage making a dive while attempting to field a ground ball late in last Wednesday's start. Today, a few updates emerged from sources across the baseball universe which provided some good news mixed in with the bad news that Sale won't be returning anytime soon. Advertisement Sale's former battery mate with the Chicago White Sox - and former Atlanta Braves catcher A.J. Pierzynski - provided an update during today's Foul Territory that Sale has two small rib fractures. The Athletic's David O'Brien added that Sale is traveling with the team and receiving treatment while on the road. Furthermore, O'Brien passed along the good news that the Braves expect Sale to pitch again this season. Sale, 36, was in the midst of another outstanding season with 2.5 fWAR across 15 starts. He was striking out almost 31-percent of the batters he faced this season while walking only 7-percent. He was carrying a 2.65 FIP in 89.1 innings at the time of his injury. It will be yet another injury-shortened campaign for the 2024 NL Cy Young Award winner. But, hopefully one that will see him return to the mound later this summer. Advertisement More from
Yahoo
22-06-2025
- Sport
- Yahoo
Braves' Chris Sale passes Felix Hernandez on all-time list after stellar night
The post Braves' Chris Sale passes Felix Hernandez on all-time list after stellar night appeared first on ClutchPoints. The Atlanta Braves, searching for consistency in a turbulent 2025 season, may have found their spark on Wednesday night. Chris Sale turned in a vintage performance during a commanding 5-0 shutout of the division-leading New York Mets, etching his name deeper into baseball history by surpassing Félix Hernández on the all-time MLB strikeout leaders list. The milestone moment didn't just boost the Braves in the standings — it cemented Sale's legacy as one of the most dominant strikeout pitchers of his generation. Advertisement Right from the start, the night had a different energy. Ronald Acuña Jr. launched a leadoff homer on the first pitch, igniting the offense. Then it was Sale's turn. With his signature command and devastating slider, he shut down the Mets' lineup, logging 8 2/3 scoreless innings and tallying his 2,525th career strikeout, officially surpassing Hernández's total of 2,524. The moment came during his fourth strikeout of the night, earning him the 37th spot on the all-time MLB strikeout leaders list. The moment didn't go unnoticed, as The Athletic's David O'Brien highlighted the achievement on X, formerly known as Twitter. 'Chris Sale passes Félix Hernández on the all-time strikeouts list with his 2,525th. Braves blank the Mets 5-0 behind a dominant start from the veteran lefty.' This historic night also marks another high point in Sale's remarkable comeback story. After years of injury setbacks, including Tommy John surgery in 2020, the southpaw returned in 2024 with a vengeance, winning the NL Cy Young and leading the league in ERA, wins, and strikeouts. Related: Why Chris Sale thanked Brian Snitker after being pulled vs. Mets Related: Braves GM addresses Chris Sale trade 'speculation'
