Braves' Acuna diagnosed with abdominal strain, will be re-evaluated

Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. left Sunday's game against the Chicago Cubs in the fourth inning due to pain in his lower abdominal muscles, the Braves announced.

Manager Brian Snitker said postgame that the 23-year-old suffered an abdominal strain, according to Mark Bowman of MLB.com. He'll be re-evaluated on Monday, at which point the team will determine if Acuna needs to go on the injured list. Some tests weren't immediately available at the ballpark, Snitker added, according to David O'Brien of The Athletic.

Acuna appeared to suffer the injury while diving back to first base on a pickoff attempt in the top of the fourth. He briefly remained in the game and came around to score, but the All-Star looked to be in some discomfort after a headfirst slide across home plate.

Losing Acuna for a prolonged period would be a huge blow to the Braves, who are currently playing with eight players on the IL, including outfielders Ender Inciarte and Cristian Pache. Acuna has gotten off to a scorching start in 2021, slashing .419/.486/.887 with seven homers, 16 RBIs, and 21 runs scored.

Johan Camargo entered the game for him in the bottom of the fourth. Camargo took over at second base, while Ehire Adrianza shifted from the keystone to right field. Atlanta went on to win 13-4.