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The Atlanta Braves hit a wall on Sunday after learning they will be without 2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. for the remainder of the season. This is a big hit to their postseason chances, and there are reasons to believe that they might not make the postseason this year.
Let's take a look at those reasons:
Three reasons why the Braves might not make the postseason
1) Ronald Acuna Jr.'s season-ending injury
This news will definitely hit the Braves the hardest. As reported, an MRI check has revealed that Ronald Acuna Jr. has a complete tear of the ACL in his left knee. That leaves the slugger with no chance of returning, as he will require surgery before he returns to the plate.
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Acuna is an integral part of the Braves' offense, and although he didn't play well in the postseason last year, his hitting prowess is second to none. He's coming off a historic year last year when he became the first MLB player to put up a 40-70 season.
Now, his absence may result in the Braves missing out on a spot in the postseason.
2) Spencer Strider and Sean Murphy's injury
Ronald Acuna Jr.'s injury is not the only reason why Braves won't make the postseason. They have already lost their best arm, Spencer Strider, for the season, and even catcher Sean Murphy is unavailable.
Strider won't pitch this season after undergoing surgery to repair a torn UCL in his right elbow. He was voted fourth in last year's Cy Young results and also made his first All-Star game.
Replacing his production over the season will be tough, especially for a rotation that includes Chris Sale and Charlie Morton, both of whom are known to have injury issues over the years.
Although, he's in the later stages of his recovery, Sean Murphy hasn't played since March 30 against the Philadelphia Phillies when the catcher sustained an oblique strain. His defensive capabilities and production at the plate will be difficult to replace.
3) Marcell Ozuna can't single-handedly drag the Braves into postseason
Apart from Marcell Ozuna, who is hitting .311, a lot is left to be desired when it comes to their offense. The major issue is that big names are not giving the expected production.
First baseman Matt Olson, one of the highest-paid Braves players, is struggling at the plate, only slashing .230/.322/.422, along with eight home runs and 29 RBIs. Another big name that has underperformed is Austin Riley, who is hitting. 245/.319/.388, along with only three home runs and 18 RBIs.
While the season is still young, the Braves (30-20) cannot afford another core player injury, as they are chasing the Philadelphia Phillies (38-16) for the division lead.
