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Ronald Acuña Jr. needs help walking off field after fouling ball off his foot

The first-place Atlanta Braves may have just avoided a massive loss. All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. had to leave Friday’s contest against the Washington Nationals in the fourth inning after fouling a ball off his leg, but did not suffer a severe injury.

Things looked bad initially, however, as the 22-year-old needed help walking off the field. Acuña was unable to put any weight on his leg as he was helped off the field.

While the entire scene looked worrisome, Acuña appears to have avoided a major injury. X-rays came back negative on Acuña’s foot.

Acuña did not suffer any fractures. He’s considered day-to-day.

Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman, left, taps the head of Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) as Acuna is helped out of the field after fouling a ball off his left foot during the fourth inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Friday, Sept. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)
Atlanta Braves' Freddie Freeman, left, taps the head of Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) as Acuna is helped out of the field after fouling a ball off his left foot during the fourth inning of the team's baseball game against the Washington Nationals in Washington, Friday, Sept. 11, 2020. (AP Photo/Manuel Balce Ceneta)

Braves need Ronald Acuña Jr. for the postseason

The news should come as a major relief for the Braves, as any significant injury to Acuña would have been devastating. At 26-18, the team leads the National League East, and is basically a shoo-in to make it to the postseason. Acuña, who is hitting .286/.440/.667, with 11 home runs, has arguably been the team’s best hitter this season. The Braves have a number of players who can carry their offense, but losing Acuña would hurt have immensely.

Acuña can take his time getting back. The Braves have a little over two weeks before the playoffs begin, and will want Acuña at full strength for the first round.

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