Ronald Acuna Jr.'s brother Luisangel "freaking crushing it" at SS in Fransisco Lindor's absence, says ex-Twins slugger

On Wednesday, MLB analyst Jake Storiale and former Minnesota Twins slugger Trevor Plouffe talked about Ronald Acuna Jr.'s younger brother Luisangel Acuna's performances for the New York Mets. Luisangel was handed his debut for the Mets against the Philadelphia Phillies on September 14 in place of Francisco Lindor, as the 30-year-old was allowed a day off due to a reported lower back injury.

The 22-year-old has slotted perfectly into the side both offensively and defensively in the starting shortstop's absence. The rookie recorded his first big league home run in the Mets' 10-1 rout of the Washington Nationals on September 17.

On Tuesday's episode of Talkin' Baseball, Plouffe talked about how 'baby Acuna' has settled right in at the major league level.

"It is awesome right now to watch the Mets play baseball. They're awesome to watch. You got baby Acuna there, playing freaking shortstop. He's only got 15 games in the big leagues, he's right in the thick of everything and freaking crushing it," he said [52:34]

"[Luisangel Acuna is] Looking like he belongs there, he's looking like a guy that's been playing in the big leagues for years. Nothing phases him, he expects to be there." Plouffe added [52:50]

Luisangel Acuna meets brother Ronald Acuna Jr. in Atlanta, Francisco Lindor potentially out till postseason

The New York Mets travel to Atlanta to play the Braves in a crucial series on Tuesday. With both sides fighting tooth and nail to make it to the playoffs via the NL wildcard spots, the Mets currently lead the Braves by two games.

Shortly before the crucial series began, rising star Luisangel Acuna met up with his older brother Ronald Acuna Jr. in Atlanta. The two will not be facing off on the diamond this season though, as Acuna Jr. remains out of action until 2025 due to an ACL injury.

In a concerning development for the Mets, star shortstop Francisco Lindor may not be back in action in the regular season. The 30-year-old has been out of action since having to exit September 15's game after trying to play through his lower back injury and has hinted that he may not be back before the playoffs begin.

Fans will be hoping 'baby Acuna' can continue to deputize in his absence as he has so far, as New York looks to successfully see out the last week of the regular season and punch their ticket to the playoffs.