ATLANTA — Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. was scratched from Atlanta’s lineup Wednesday because of right quadriceps tightness.
The team announced about 90 minutes before first pitch against the Philadelphia Phillies that Acuna would sit. He awoke feeling sore and tested out his leg by running on the field before deciding to skip the game.
Acuna is hitting .292 with 2 homers, 8 RBIs and 8 stolen bases in 65 at-bats since returning from reconstructive right knee surgery April 28. The two-time All-Star and 2018 National League Rookie of the Year missed five games recently with right groin tightness. He went 2-for-3 with three RBIs and scored the decisive run in Tuesday’s walk-off victory over the Phillies.
Atlanta has been cautious with Acuna, who tore his ACL last year and needed season-ending surgery.
Travis Demeritte replaced Acuna in right and batted ninth. Ozzie Albies moved into Acuna’s leadoff spot in the batting order.