Ronald Acuña Jr. remained in Atlanta’s Game 3 lineup Tuesday night, but the Braves took the glove out of his hands at Truist Park, using their star right fielder as the designated hitter because of soreness in his right knee.
The late adjustment came about 90 minutes before first pitch in the National League Division Series. Acuña had initially been listed in right field, but Atlanta shifted its plans before the 6 p.m. ET start.
Acuña stays in the order
The Braves had used Acuña at DH 14 times during the regular season, though Tuesday marked his first postseason appearance in that role. The move allowed Atlanta to keep his bat in the lineup while reducing the running and defensive demands on the veteran outfielder.
Acuña entered the game looking to regain the offensive rhythm he carried into October. Over his final 26 regular-season games, he posted a .997 OPS. His first five playoff games had been tougher, however, with the Braves star going 3-for-18.
Lane Thomas takes right field
Lane Thomas moved into right field in Acuña’s place. The lineup change also sent catcher Sean Murphy to the bench after he had originally been set to serve as Atlanta’s designated hitter.
For the Braves, the decision was a straightforward October calculation: preserve Acuña’s presence in the batting order while trying to protect a sore knee in a pivotal division-series game.
