More details :Ronald Acuna Jr. took to social media Sunday to criticize the way Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker handled Jarred Kelenic being thrown out at second base after failing to hustle out of the batter’s box on Saturday.
On Sunday, Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. stirred up controversy on social media by criticizing manager Brian Snitker’s handling of a baserunning mishap involving teammate Jarred Kelenic. The incident in question occurred during Saturday’s game, when Kelenic was thrown out at second base after not hustling out of the batter’s box on what should have been a routine double. While the play itself was frustrating, the fallout has revealed deeper tensions within the Braves’ clubhouse, at least according to Acuña’s reaction.
The moment came in the third inning of the Braves’ loss, when Kelenic hit a line drive down the right field line. Assuming it was going foul, Kelenic jogged slowly out of the box. But when the ball landed fair and caromed off the wall, he turned on the speed too late, trying to stretch a single into a double. The out at second base was a momentum-killing play, and Snitker didn’t mince words after the game. He publicly called out Kelenic’s lack of hustle, labeling the effort “unacceptable” and emphasizing that those types of mistakes can’t happen in crucial games.
That public criticism clearly didn’t sit well with Acuña, who took to Instagram with a pointed post in defense of his teammate. In a story that quickly circulated among fans and media, Acuña appeared to call out Snitker’s leadership, writing in Spanish, “You don’t throw your own guys under the bus. We win and lose together.” He also liked and commented on posts criticizing how the situation was handled, further signaling his frustration.
Acuña’s response is noteworthy not only because of his status as the team’s superstar, but also because he rarely speaks out about internal team issues. This public disagreement with the manager suggests some underlying tension that might go beyond just one play or one player. It raises questions about clubhouse dynamics and whether there is a disconnect between the coaching staff and the players, especially younger ones like Kelenic.
Meanwhile, Snitker has stood by his comments, later saying he expects accountability from everyone on the team, no matter their role. “We’re professionals,” he stated. “You run out every ball, and that’s just the standard here.” While Snitker has long been respected for his old-school approach and even-keeled demeanor, his critics argue that calling out players in public could lead to more division than unity.
This isn’t the first time the Braves have dealt with internal drama, but it does come at a time when expectations are sky-high. With a talented roster and World Series aspirations, any hint of discord could become a distraction. Whether Acuña’s comments are a one-off emotional response or the sign of a deeper rift remains to be seen, but all eyes will be on how the Braves respond as a team in the coming weeks. For now, the incident has sparked a much-needed conversation about leadership, accountability, and how best to handle mistakes within a championship-caliber clubhouse.
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