ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 22: Atlanta right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) reacts during the MLB game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Atlanta Braves on September 22nd, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, GA. (Photo by Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The lineups are out for tonight’s middle game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cincinnati Reds and the big news as far as Atlanta concerned was focused on injuries. There’s good news to report on both fronts, as manager Walt Weiss is planning on Robert Suarez making his first big league appearance following his activation from a long stint on the IL and that Ronald Acuña Jr. is reportedly feeling fine after suffering a left shin contusion on Tuesday night. Acuña is out of the lineup tonight but he’s no longer walking with a limp, so obviously some rest and (presumably) some ice did him well overnight.
In fact, it was to the point that Weiss reportedly stated during the pregame press conference that Acuña was apparently trying to convince the skipper to put him in the lineup for tonight’s game. Obviously with an eye on the Postseason, that was never going to happen but it’s nonetheless a good sign about how Acuña is feeling at the moment. Mark Bowman of MLB.com shared the report on social media.
Acuña told the Braves he was ready to play right field today. They decided to give him a day to rest. He should be back in the lineup tomorrow— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) September 23, 2026
Needless to say, the Atlanta Braves are going to need both Acuña and Suarez healthy and ready to go for October if they’re going to have the best chance possible at making a deep Postseason run. Ever since Acuña reportedly widened his stance back on August 26, he’s been hitting at a .348/.408/.641 clip with a .445 wOBA and 184 wRC+. Meanwhile, Suarez was carrying a 0.56 ERA and a 2.44 FIP across 32 innings pitched before he went on the IL following his appearance on June 19.
If both of those guys can keep up that pace upon their respective returns from injury then the Braves are going to be in a good spot heading into the Postseason. We’ll see what happens going forward!