ATLANTA BRAVES TOP PLAYER, TWO OTHERS, SUSPENDED FOR VIOLATING TEAM RULES
Atlanta, GA – The Atlanta Braves have announced that their top player, star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., along with two other players, have been suspended for violating team rules.
Acuña, who was recently named the National League’s Most Valuable Player, was handed a 5-game suspension without pay for violating team rules related to tardiness and attendance. The 23-year-old has been a key player for the Braves, helping the team win the World Series in 2021.
In addition to Acuña, relief pitcher Luke Jackson and outfielder Marcell Ozuna were also suspended for 3 and 2 games, respectively. Jackson was suspended for missing a team meeting without permission, while Ozuna was disciplined for violating curfew.
The suspensions were announced by the Braves on Friday, and will take effect immediately. The team has also fined the three players undisclosed amounts.
“We take these violations very seriously,” said Braves manager Brian Snitker. “We expect our players to be on time and attend all meetings. These suspensions are a reminder that we are a team and we need to work together to achieve our goals.”
The suspensions come at a critical time for the Braves, who are currently battling for a playoff spot in the National League East. The team has struggled with consistency this season, and the suspensions of its top players could be a significant blow.
Acuña’s suspension is particularly notable, as he has been one of the team’s most consistent players this season. He has hit .275 with 22 home runs and 55 RBIs in 104 games this year.
The Braves have not yet announced any plans to replace the suspended players on their active roster. The team will continue to play with a reduced lineup until the suspensions are served.
This is not the first time that Acuña has been disciplined by the Braves. In 2020, he was fined and suspended for two games after being late to a game and violating curfew.
