Tuesday marked a historic moment for the Acuña family as both Ronald and his younger brother Luisangel found themselves in Major League Baseball, albeit on opposing teams. Ronald played as the leadoff hitter for the Atlanta Braves, while Luisangel was on the bench for the New York Mets. Despite not yet facing each other in a game, the brothers expressed their excitement for this significant milestone.
“I am so happy to see him in the major leagues,” Ronald Acuña remarked before the Braves secured a 5-4 victory over the Mets in 10 innings. The elder Acuña just returned from a year of rehabilitation following a serious knee injury, which had kept him from performing at his best during much of the previous season.
Luisangel expressed a similar sentiment, saying, “I have been hoping for this moment… Now that he’s finally back and I am here as well, it’s a dream come true.” The younger Acuña has primarily been utilized as a defensive replacement or pinch runner by Mets manager Carlos Mendoza.
Currently, Luisangel boasts an OPS of .591 and has achieved 11 stolen bases this season. Ronald believes in his brother’s ability to earn a consistent spot in the lineup, emphasizing, “When you play good… they need to find a spot in the lineup for you.”
In addition to the Acuña brothers’ story, the Mets dealt with some roster changes as third baseman Brett Baty has shown improvement following a groin strain, while Mark Vientos was set to make his rehab appearance in Triple-A Syracuse.
Mendoza acknowledged the importance of the match series against the Braves, especially as both teams strive for positioning in the tight NL East race. The Braves, who were 13 games behind the Mets in the standings, made strategic adjustments to their starting rotation to maximize their chances against their rivals.
This juxtaposition of family ties and fierce competition in baseball serves as a reminder of the sport’s deep emotional connections and the personal stakes involved as siblings pursue their dreams in the big leagues.