The Atlanta Braves have hit a rough patch in their otherwise stellar season. Star right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has been placed on the 10-day injured list due to a strained left hamstring, the team announced Sunday.

This news comes as a significant blow to the Braves, who entered Sunday's game against the Colorado Rockies boasting the best record in baseball at 24-10. Acuña, a five-time All-Star and the 2023 National League MVP, exited Saturday night's game in the second inning after pulling up while running out a ground ball. He was seen grabbing at his hamstring about halfway down the base path, signaling the injury.

Acuña had been a key contributor this season, playing in all 34 games after battling back from a torn ACL suffered in May 2024 that limited him to just 144 games over the past two seasons. Through early May, he was batting .252 with two home runs, nine RBIs, 17 runs scored, and a team-high seven stolen bases—a testament to his resilience and importance to the lineup.

In a silver lining for Braves fans, the team activated right-hander Spencer Strider from the injured list ahead of Sunday's start. The 2023 All-Star was set to make his season debut after recovering from a strained oblique. To make room for Strider, the Braves optioned right-hander Hunter Stratton to Triple-A Gwinnett following Saturday's game. They also selected outfielder José Azócar's contract from the minor league club to fill Acuña's roster spot.

While the Braves will miss Acuña's dynamic presence in the outfield and at the plate, the return of Strider could provide a much-needed boost to their rotation. For now, Atlanta will look to maintain its winning ways as one of their brightest stars works toward a speedy recovery.