Outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (26), the leading outfielder of the Atlanta Braves, shook off the club’s dissuade and joined the World Baseball Classic (WBC) Venezuela national team.
On the 9th (Korean time), the US ‘Atlanta Journal Constitution’ reported ‘Acuña will play as the WBC Venezuela representative. The decision was made today, and Atlanta accepted it.” According to ‘Bleacher Report Walk-Off’, Acuña said, “The WBC is both a challenge and an opportunity. “I am ready to represent my country and play our way. This is all”, he revealed the background of participation.
Acuña announced his participation in the Venezuelan WBC national team early in September last year. However, his team, Atlanta, did not allow it. Acuña suffered a ruptured cruciate ligament in his right knee while defending during a game in July 2021, and was out for the season. After rehabilitation, he returned at the end of April last year.
It wasn’t long after his return from injury, and Atlanta, concerned about this, had a strong will to protect the player. However, Acuña’s will to join the Venezuelan national team was stronger. He expressed his dissatisfaction with the club’s disapproval, and eventually carried through his will.
Acuña, who debuted in the major leagues in 2018, played an active part in 111 games with a batting average of .293, 127 hits, 26 homers and 64 RBIs in the first year, and won the National League Rookie Award. In 2019, he ranked first in steals and runs, joining the 30–30 club with a batting average of 2.8, 175 hits, 41 home runs, 101 RBI, 127 points, and 37 steals in 156 games.
However, in mid-July 2021, he suffered a fatal knee injury while defending, and returned at the end of April last year after rehabilitation. Perhaps due to the aftereffects of the injury, his performance dropped to .764 OPS last year with a batting average of .266, 124 hits, 15 homers, 50 RBIs and 29 stolen bases in 119 games. 카지노
Meanwhile, with Acuna joining, Venezuela’s power has been greatly strengthened. Venezuela is lined with major leaguers in the infield, including Jose Altuve (Houston), first baseman Miguel Cabrera (Detroit), Luis Araez (Miami), and Glaber Torres (New York Yankees). As Acuña joined the outfield, the batting line was strengthened.