Report: Acuna to play for Venezuela at WBC

Ronald Acuna Jr. will play for Team Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic, a source told Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution.

The Atlanta Braves and Acuna reportedly made the decision Wednesday, which means the superstar outfielder will be part of the Venezuelan squad when the full WBC rosters are announced Thursday.

Atlanta is now more comfortable with Acuna participating in the tournament after speculation in late January that it preferred to keep him for the entirety of spring training following his return from an ACL injury during the 2022 campaign, according to Toscano.

The club will reportedly monitor the three-time All-Star during the first few weeks of camp and have open lines of communication with the Venezuelan team during the event.

Acuna played in only 119 games last season after debuting in late April. He also missed multiple contests with knee soreness following his return.

The 25-year-old has never suited up in the WBC before. The event runs from March 8-21.