Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) reacts after being injured after grounding out against the Toronto Blue Jays during the seventh inning. Dale Zanine-USA TODAY Sports

Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. avoids serious ankle injury in loss to Blue Jays

By Zac Wassink | Last updated 5/13/21

The Atlanta Braves had a rather lousy Thursday that could've turned disastrous.

Atlanta was swept by the Toronto Blue Jays and lost star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. for the afternoon in the bottom of the seventh inning when he appeared to injure his ankle on first base as he attempted to beat out a ground ball:

Ronald Acuña Jr. hit the first-base bag wrong hustling out an infield single and he's down with an apparent ankle injury. pic.twitter.com/KNdnl5AFqP
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 13, 2021

The 23-year-old received attention while lying on the field for several minutes before he walked into the clubhouse on his own power:

Ronald Acuña Jr. left the game after this close play at first base.

He walked off the field without assistance. pic.twitter.com/GPEQosh8Uj
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) May 13, 2021

Per the Associated Press (h/t ESPN), Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed after the defeat that X-rays on Acuna's ankle were negative and that the two-time Silver Slugger is considered day-to-day heading into Friday's game at the Milwaukee Brewers.

"Those are scary moments for players, especially when they've got the torque and force he's running with," Snitker explained.

Acuna hit his MLB-leading 12th home run of the season in the bottom of the first of Thursday's outing. Outfielder Ender Inciarte, who hasn't played since mid-April because of a left hamstring strain, is coming off the injured list.

This latest loss dropped the Braves to 17-20 on the season.

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