The Braves placed No. 1 prospect Ronald Acuna on the 10-day disabled list Monday after an MRI test showed a sprain and multiple contusions to his back and left knee.
Acuna left Sunday's game in the seventh inning after he appeared to hyperextend his left knee running to first base. He was taken to a Boston hospital for evaluation.
The Braves announced Acuna's injury as "knee and lower-back pain" following the game. The severity was unknown, but they were encouraged that he walked off the field on his own power.
His MRI results showed a left-knee mild ACL sprain, a left knee contusion and lower back contusion, the team announced during the first inning of the first game of a doubleheader against the New York Mets on Monday at SunTrust Park.
It was the best news the Braves could've hoped for regarding their prized outfielder. They'll re-evaluate him after the 10-day period, but he could return to action as soon as June 8 in Los Angeles.
Preston Tucker, who manned left field before Acuna was promoted April 25, started in his place Monday and will likely carry the load in Acuna's absence.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said Sunday he feared it was an injury similar to Bryce Harper's a season ago, when the Nationals All-Star hyperextended his left knee and missed 42 games.
Acuna burst onto the scene upon his callup, homering in his second game and helping the Braves to a 7-1 record in his first eight games, all on the road.
The 20-year-old hit .382 in that span, with a 1.138 OPS. But as he's come more acclimated with the majors, the majors have become more acclimated with him.
Acuna had hit .187 in 19 games before a three-hit day on Saturday. He was 1-for-3 with a walk before exiting Sunday's contest in Boston.
