MILWAUKEE -- Given what occurred a little more than a month ago, the Braves certainly had reason for immediate concern when Ronald Acuna Jr. gingerly ran through first base while recording an infield single during the seventh inning of Friday night's 5-4 loss to the Brewers at Miller Park.
But Acuna's previously injured left knee had nothing to do with his reaction. The 20-year-old phenom tweaked his left groin as he ran down the line and then made what appears was just a precautionary exit from the game.
"He felt a little something," Atlanta manager Brian Snitker said. "We'll evaluate him tonight and in the morning. He might be able to go [Saturday]. I just didn't want to take a chance tonight. I'm just not going to take any chances with that kid."
Acuna missed a month after straining his left anterior cruciate ligament while recording an infield single against the Red Sox on May 27. He has not had any problems with the knee since returning to the lineup on June 29.
Snitker said Acuna passed the strength tests the Braves' medical staff performed in the clubhouse, but there's certainly reason to anticipate the young outfielder will at least be held out of Saturday afternoon's lineup.
"I feel pretty good right now," Acuna said through an interpreter. "As far as playing [Saturday], I'm not sure, because I'm not going to make that decision."