Braves got good news on Ronald Acuña Jr.’s injury, but real playoff hurdle may be mental

Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. avoided major injury after fouling a ball off his shin during Tuesday's game. X-rays returned negative for any fractures, diagnosing him with a left shin contusion. After sitting out the second game against the Cincinnati Reds, Acuña returned to Atlanta's lineup for the series finale on Thursday evening.

Acuña had recently regained his expected form prior to the scare, but concerns remain regarding whether past injury hurdles might affect his confidence. With the postseason set to begin in a week, the Braves rely heavily on his offense, particularly as starting pitcher Martín Pérez was recently placed on the injured list.