Atlanta Braves rookie Ronald Acuna is going supernova to look like a superstar in the making

Jay Asser 18:48 15/08/2018
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  • Ronald Acuna has already arrived.

    Considered by many as the top prospect in baseball coming into the season, the Atlanta Braves outfielder has hit the ground running despite only being 20.

    Acuna’s rookie year has gone to another level over the last week, in which he’s torn the cover off the ball during a torrid run.

    On Tuesday, he smacked a home run to lead off the game against the Miami Marlins to become the youngest player in MLB history to homer in five-straight games. He also became the youngest player to: homer eight times in an eight-game span, homer six times over five games, homer to lead off three-straight games and hit five career leadoff homers.

    “I think this is the first time I’ve ever been hot, hot,” Acuna said through an interpreter. “It feels good, and you definitely show up with a lot of confidence.”

    On August 7, Acuna possessed a .261 batting average, .321 on-base percentage and .478 slugging percentage. Now, his slash line sits at .288/.346/.576. – a major improvement in an incredibly short period of time.

    Acuna’s hot streak has aligned with the decision by Braves manager Brian Snitker to move him to the leadoff spot in the lineup. Since making the move on July 20, Acuna has hit .358 with 12 home runs in 24 games.

    Atlanta are 15-9 over that span, including four-straight wins to take a two-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the National League East.

    “You see him smiling. It’s contagious what he’s doing,” Braves center fielder Ender Inciarte said. “He’s the best leadoff hitter I’ve ever seen.

    “He’s the best player I’ve ever seen. Hopefully, he’s going to continue to help us in the long run.”

    The Braves haven’t made the playoffs in five years – a drought that feels like eons for a franchise that won the division crown 11 consecutive years from 1995-2005. During those days, the team was built on the foundations of Hall of Fame players like Chipper Jones, Greg Maddux and John Smoltz.

    Acuna is now on the path to becoming Atlanta’s next legend and not just because of his bat. His defence and speed are also tantalising, while his fun-loving personality is exactly what baseball needs from a player that could be one of the faces of the league sooner than later.

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