The Atlanta Braves won consecutive games for the first time this season on Saturday night. Unfortunately, the optimism did not last long, as Ronald Acuña Jr. started clashing with Braves manager Brian Snitker. It’s difficult to blame him.
Snitker was questioned on Saturday night and Sunday about why he did not bench outfielder Jarred Kelenic, who didn’t rush hard out of the box and was thrown out at second base in the sixth inning of Saturday’s game. Snitker defended Kelenic and asked the media what he should do in a tense situation. The correct reaction to Snitker’s hypothetical was to sit Kelenic, as we’ve seen this happen previously in Atlanta.
Ronald Acuña Jr. and Brian Snitker have disagreements on the Braves.
In 2019, Acuña Jr. was benched for similar reasons. This was Snitker’s comment at the time.
“He didn’t run,” Snitker explained at the time. “You have to run. It is not going to be acceptable here. As a teammate, you are responsible for 24 other guys, and the name on the front is far more essential than the name on the back of that jersey. You cannot do that. We’re attempting to accomplish something remarkable here. Personal matters must take a back seat.
Acuña Jr. did not take Snitker’s decision personally at the time, but he did take Snitker’s actions seriously on Sunday. Acuña Jr. just stated, “If it were me, they would take me out of the game.” And he’s not wrong; it truly happened! We have proof!
Mets criticize Ronald Acuña Jr. and Braves turmoil.
On Sunday afternoon, the New York Mets referenced Acuña Jr.’s post on the scoreboard, citing his brother Luisangel as an example.
Braves fans immediately pointed out that they live rent-free in the Mets’ brains, but even we have to acknowledge that this is a pretty good burn. However, rather than focusing on the Mets jab, the Braves should figure out what to do next. Acuña Jr. is recovering from an injury and expected to return within the next month. Will there be conflict in the clubhouse, or can he and Snitker go on?
If the Braves had to select between the two, Acuña Jr. would win out. Snitker is in his penultimate year of contract, while Acuña Jr. has a long-term, team-friendly agreement. Hopefully, it will not come to that.
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