Braves fall to Royals 9-6 on July 30, 2025, as Ronald Acuña Jr. exits with an Achilles injury. Get the latest on Acuña, Ozuna, and Riley's efforts.
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
It was one of those nights where the final score felt like a footnote. The Atlanta Braves dropped another game, this time 9-6 to the Kansas City Royals, but the real gut punch came in the sixth inning when superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. pulled up lame in right field. The diagnosis—right Achilles tendon tightness—and the subsequent trip to the injured list casts a dark shadow over a team already fighting to stay afloat.
Ronald Acuña Jr. exited in the sixth inning with right Achilles tendon tightness and will be placed on the 10-day injured list.
The game itself was a frustrating affair from the start. Making his Braves debut, starter Erick Fedde had a rough welcome, surrendering four runs in the first two innings and ultimately taking the loss. The offense showed signs of life, with Marcell Ozuna launching a homer and driving in three runs, and Austin Riley adding a solo shot of his own. Michael Harris II was a bright spot with three hits, but it wasn't enough to overcome the early deficit and a three-run double by the Royals' Kyle Isbel that broke the game open.
The collective gasp at Truist Park in the sixth inning said it all. While playing his position in right field, Ronald Acuña Jr. experienced what the team later described as tightness in his right Achilles tendon. He was immediately removed from the game, and the team quickly announced he would be placed on the 10-day injured list. For a team already struggling, losing their offensive catalyst and reigning MVP is a devastating blow, regardless of the timeline.
With Acuña officially heading to the IL, the Braves immediately made a move, recalling outfielder Jarred Kelenic from Triple-A Gwinnett. Kelenic, who has struggled mightily this season with a .167 batting average in limited action, is now thrust into a crucial role. He's expected to take over in right field, giving him a massive opportunity to prove he belongs and provide a much-needed spark. The pressure is on.
Acuña's injury is the latest in a string of significant blows for the Braves' roster. The pitching staff remains depleted, with Spencer Schwellenbach (fractured elbow) out until at least September and AJ Smith-Shawver lost for the season to Tommy John surgery. While there's some hope for reliever Joe Jiménez (knee surgery) to return in August, the team's depth is being tested like never before.
With their superstar sidelined, the Braves face a critical test of their depth and resilience. The road ahead just got significantly tougher, and all eyes will be on Jarred Kelenic and the rest of the offense to carry the load. Atlanta needs to weather this storm, and it starts with finding a way to win without number 13.
