David Chao, MD
2 min read • March 08, 2024
Posted in
Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. made a career-high 735 plate appearances last season, one of many career highs he set in his second year back from a torn ACL in his right knee.
However, recent irritation in the meniscus of his right knee is likely to threaten his durability this season, according to our panel of docs. Now is the time to look at other options for NL MVP besides the +500 favorite.
Last year’s NL MVP, was involved in an extended rundown during a March 1 spring training game and felt soreness in his surgically repaired right knee following the game.
He was scratched from the next day’s lineup and underwent an MRI that showed “irritation” in his meniscus.
As Dr. David Chao explained during the recent Sports Injury Central podcast, that “irritation” term could mean two things.
Either Acuña’s original ACL surgery involved more than just the ACL or this is a new meniscus injury.
When ACL’s are repaired there is often damage done to other ligaments in the knee, including to the meniscus. In many cases, there is recurrent “signal” for the meniscus when the surgically repaired knee is examined on MRI.
With the news that Acuña is set to make the team’s opening day roster, that seems the likely case. By video, his extended rundown in the March 1 spring training did not appear significant enough to cause a new injury.
The 26-year-old right fielder missed just three games last season, played 157 games in the outfield and had 87 stolen base attempts.
Simply put, it would be surprising to see that occur in back-to-back seasons given the severity of the knee injury he suffered in July 2021.
The second year back from an ACL tear is typically when players are at 100% of their pre-injury health, but the recent meniscus irritation suggests he is showing signs of wear-and-tear.
While his approach at the plate will likely remain the same, don’t expect 87 stolen base attempts this season (with 73 successful steals).
If Acuña and the team don’t opt for a meniscus trim, his outfield reps will have to be managed and he will likely see more games at designated hitter.
The Braves do have more options in the outfield this season with the addition of Jarred Kelenic. Forrest Wall currently figures to be the fourth outfielder.
Mookie Betts +650
The Dodgers’ outfielder turned second baseman finished second to the unanimously selected Acuña last season. Betts finished the season with .307/.408/.987 splits with 39 home runs and 107 RBIs.
Freddie Freeman +900
Freeman finished third in MVP voting last season in his first year with Los Angeles. He hits a team-best .331 with a .410 on-base percentage and .976 OPS. He also had a career-high 59 doubles with 29 home runs and 102 RBIs.
Shohei Ohtani +950
Last season’s AL MVP will not pitch this season while recovering from Tommy John surgery. He will serve as the Dodgers’ everyday DH after flipping counties this offseason. Ohtani had career highs in on-base percentage (.412), slugging percentage (.654) and OPS last season (1.066).
Fernando Tatis Jr. +1000
Back from the wrist injury and PED suspension that kept him out the entire 2022 season, Tatis played 141 games in right field last year. He set career lows in batting average (.257), on-base percentage (.322), slugging (.449) and OPS (.770), but figures to be the focal point of the Padres lineup once again this season. He did log career highs in hits (148), doubles (33) and stolen bases (29).
Written by David Chao, MD
