When the @Braves won the World Series in 2021, Ronald Acuña Jr. (@ronaldacunajr24) had to watch from the sidelines due to his knee injury. He opened up about that time: “There is so much unfinished business for me with the Atlanta Braves, and I am prepared to do everything in my power to help us win another World Series. This time, though, I want to be a big part of it when it happens.
That year when I tore my ACL, 2021 … that was like a nightmare for me in so many ways. And I want to do everything I can to put it in the past. Back then, I couldn’t walk for a long time, for months. I felt helpless. And I absolutely fell into a depression. At the time, I would always ask my friends: ‘Do you think I'll play again? Do you believe I will return as the same player?’ And they would all tell me everything was going to be fine.
But none of that helped. I was just so down.
I wanted to be playing. I couldn’t accept not being out there. There was about three or four months of that, and eventually I had to go into therapy. I was really suffering, and I needed to work my way out of it.
I didn’t want to go at first. I never saw myself in that situation, so I kind of rebelled initially. But then it was like: I have to do this … because if I don’t do my part here, I’m never going to fully recover. I may never play again.
It was all very difficult. Early on, someone had to hold my foot up for me to do things — my parents, or one of my good friends back home, Leonard. Someone would have to carry me, or lift me up, or help me get dressed, someone had to bathe me. It took a toll. I’d see friends having fun and going out, and I would be left behind. I was left in tears.
They didn’t see me cry. But it depressed me. Sometimes I cried with rage. I took the crutches they gave me and threw them to the ground, tears streaming down my face.
And, I am ashamed to say, I said a lot of bad words back then. I didn’t say them out loud. But I said them to myself, within myself.
It was like, excuse the word: Damn it! Why am I here?
After the injury, I didn’t watch the team play very much because it would just make me sadder.
I started watching again during our playoff run, and it made me glad to know that the boys were playing so well. But if I’m being honest with you, when we won the World Series … I was happy, but … I couldn’t tell you that I enjoyed it 100%.
I wanted to be doing my part. I wanted to be out there making history, too.” https://t.co/RmuSayiff5
Sarkisian says Texas has more of these types of games to go.
Seven opponents in the top 25 that remain on the schedule.
"That is why I say I am not going to apologize for winning on the road vs. a top 15 team, when other teams don't even play them."
My favorite part of this series so far is Philly media trying to rile Phillies players up about Ronald's home run trots in postgame interviews and those players consistently saying they do not care.
That conversation ended at least 5 years ago. Move on.
Steve Sarkisian via @TheHerd: "There are some other teams around the country, quite frankly, that play nobody in the non-conference."
Texas Tech, for example:
Abilene Christian (FCS)
Oregon State (2-10 in 2025)
Sam Houston (2-10 in 2025)
More form Sark: https://t.co/o0W742ZbXa
The #Braves today reinstated INF Ha-Seong Kim and C Sean Murphy from the injured list and designated INF Jorge Mateo for assignment. The club also optioned RHP James Karinchak and RHP JR Ritchie to Triple-A Gwinnett. OF Lane Thomas, RHP Tyler Mahle and LHP Brent Suter were all reported to Atlanta.