Braves' Brian Snitker Discusses Ronald Acuna Jr.'s Deleted Post on Jarred Kelenic Play

Ronald Acuña Jr. had some interesting thoughts on social media on Sunday after Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said he didn't speak to outfielder Jarred Kelenic after he was thrown out at second base, largely because he admired the ball off the bat, assuming it would be a home run.

Snitker responded to Acuña's comments, noting in particular that he didn't realize before seeing the replay of the Kelenic incident that he hadn't been running hard initially:

Acuña had reason to hint at a double standard in his since-deleted post—in 2019, he was pulled from a game for admiring what he thought would be a home run, only for it to stay in the yard and leave him with only a single. He was then thrown out at second base during a steal attempt.

Kelenic, meanwhile, remained in Saturday's game and was in the starting lineup for Sunday's matchup with the Minnesota Twins as well, both wins for Atlanta. He told reporters he apologized to Snitker for the lack of hustle.

Acuña, 27, has yet to play this season as he recovers from a torn ACL. It isn't a great sign that the four-time All-Star, 2018 NL Rookie of the Year and 2023 MVP is publicly calling out his manager, even if he since removed the comment.

The one thing the disappointing Braves cannot afford—the team started 5-13 before sweeping the three-game series against the Twins—is strife between their manager and biggest star.