Atlanta Braves designated hitter Ronald Acuna Jr. reacts after being hit by a pitch by Miami Marlins starting pitcher Sandy Alcantara in the third inning of Saturday's game at Truist Park. Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports

Ronald Acuna's bizarre hit-by-pitch mark against Marlins increases

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated 5/28/22

Ronald Acuna Jr. has some sort of bizarre enmity with the Miami Marlins, and it manifested itself again Saturday.

Acuna has an extensive history of being hit by pitches against the Marlins on a confusingly frequent basis. On Saturday, Acuna was hit by a Sandy Alcantara pitch, marking the seventh time the Marlins have hit Acuna in 274 plate appearances. No other NL East foe has hit Acuna more than three times.

Acuña has now been hit seven times in 274 plate appearances against the Marlins.

HBP vs. other NL East opponents
Mets 3 in 227 PA
Phillies 2 in 232 PA
Nationals 0 in 207 PA pic.twitter.com/yrBDGqCqmn

— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 28, 2022

Acuna did stay in the game despite the pitch hitting him on the wrist.

In this specific instance, there is probably nothing to it. Alcantara had Acuna in a 1-2 count with two out and nobody on, and was just trying to go up and in. Still, it adds to a confusingly high tally.

The Marlins’ penchant for hitting Acuna has gotten them in trouble in the past. The stat isn’t lost on Acuna either, but he has taken a fairly relaxed approach to the frequency of his plunkings.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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