Oh, No: Braves Star Ronald Acuna Leaves Game After Suffering Non-Contact Knee Injury

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The Atlanta Braves are off to a good start this season, sitting at 29-20 heading into Sunday's action. They trail the NL East-leading Philadelphia Phillies by seven games, though, as Philly is cruising through its first 50 games. 

Although Ronald Acuna, Jr. isn't quite playing up to his MVP-level from last season, he's still a massive part of the Braves lineup. And if the injury he suffered on Sunday is as bad as it looked, that could be disastrous news for Atlanta. 

Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr., the reigning NL MVP, left Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a non-contact injury.

Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr., the reigning NL MVP, left Sunday's game against the Pittsburgh Pirates with a non-contact injury.

(Justin Berl/Getty Images)

Acuna led off the game with a double, putting Atlanta in position to take an early lead in their game against the Pirates in Pittsburgh. The Braves lost on Friday and Saturday against the Pirates, and hoped to salvage one win with a Sunday victory. 

But no matter the result of the game, nothing matters more than Acuna's health. While occupying second base, Acuna faked like he was going to take off for third while Pirates catcher Joey Bart was throwing the ball back to pitcher Martin Perez. 

But that's when Acuna crumpled to the ground in obvious pain. The reaction from the Braves hitter, Marcell Ozuna, said it all. Ozuna quickly put his hand on his head and then dropped into a crouch out of disbelief and concern for his teammate.

Acuna remained on the ground for several minutes before slowly limping off the field. 

WATCH:

It goes without saying that the Braves' chances to repeat as NL East champions will take a massive hit if Acuna is forced to miss any significant amount of time. The good news is that Acuna did leave the field under his own power, but he clearly looked shaken up. 

We'll await word on the severity of the injury and update when we have more information. 

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Dan began his sports media career at ESPN, where he survived for nearly a decade. Once the Stockholm Syndrome cleared, he made his way to OutKick. He is secure enough in his masculinity to admit he is a cat-enthusiast with three cats, one of which is named "Brady" because his wife wishes she were married to Tom instead of him.