Ronald Acuna Jr. tweet, explained: Why star outfielder took shot at Braves manager Brian Snitker

The Braves have had a rough start to the 2025 season.

Atlanta is still seeking to crawl out from its 0-7 start, with its record up to 8-13 through 21 games. Some core pieces have struggled, like center fielder Michael Harris and 2024 Cy Young Award winner Chris Sale, while offseason acquisition Jurickson Profar was suspended for PEDs.

One of the lights at the end of the tunnel during the Braves’ slow start has been the eventual return of star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr., who’s been out since May 2024 with an ACL tear. But even while sidelined from game action, Acuna was the subject of some controversy Sunday, taking a shot at Braves manager Brian Snitker on social media.

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Here’s what Acuna had to say on X about his manager’s handling of a teammate’s lack of hustle.

MORE: How a scoring change ended Max Fried’s no-hit bid in Yankees vs. Rays

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s tweet about Brian Snitker

On Saturday, the Braves beat the Twins 4-3 to win their seventh game of the season. One of the lingering storylines to come out of that matchup, however, was Jarred Kelenic being thrown out at second base after a lack of hustle. 

After a nice drive, Kelenic began a slow jog, admiring his hit for a few moments before realizing he needed an all-out sprint to second base. He was out at second.

Jarred Kelenic with the homer to RF! Oops, I mean single.

Home to 1B- 7.49 seconds
1B to 2B- 3.30 seconds

He’s out after replay challenge. pic.twitter.com/l67cFCbBoR

— The WARmonger (@TheWARmonger_) April 20, 2025

In a since-deleted tweet, Acuna took to X, replying to MLB reporter Mark Bowman’s post about Snitker’s comments on Kelenic’s lack of hustle. Bowman reported that Snitker said “Was I supposed to?” when asked if he said anything to Kelenic after his blunder.

“If it were me, they would take me out of the game,” Acuna wrote.

Last night Jarred Kelenic was tagged out at 2nd base after admiring a ball in the batter’s box for too long

Ronald Acuña has commented: pic.twitter.com/aiRe6TJ38e

— Barstool Baseball (@StoolBaseball) April 20, 2025

Acuna has been in a similar situation to Kelenic before. In August 2019, then 21, Acuna didn’t hustle out of the batter’s box on a long drive that became a single. Snitker took him out of that game one inning later.

“He didn’t run. You’ve got to run,” Snitker said of Acuna after the 2019 game, per ESPN. “It’s not going to be acceptable here. As a teammate, you’re responsible for 24 other guys. That name on the front is a lot more important than the name on the back of that jersey. You can’t do that. We’re trying to accomplish something and do something special here and personal things have got to be put on the backburner. You just can’t let your team down like that.” 

Asked about Acuna’s social media post Sunday night, Snitker said he “didn’t see it and it’s down now,” and that he hasn’t talked to Acuna, per The Athletic’s David O’Brien. Snitker added that all incidents are different when it comes to hustle plays and he talked to Kelenic about it on Sunday morning.

Snitker on Acuña comment on X: “I didn’t see it and it’s down now. I haven’t talked to him.”

Snitker said all such incidents are different, didn’t elaborate on how Kelenic incident was different but said he didn’t realize until he saw replay today thatwas why he got thrown out.

— David O’Brien (@DOBrienATL) April 20, 2025

Ronald Acuna Jr. return timeline

The Braves haven’t offered an update on Acuna’s ACL recovery in some time, but based on reporting around spring training, he is expected to return to the field in May. 

Once Atlanta announces his rehab stint plan and he’s cleared to participate in games, there should be further clarity on which regular season matchup Acuna could return for.

MORE: Everything to know about Ronald Acuna Jr.’s ACL injury, recovery

Ronald Acuna Jr. contract

Acuna signed an eight-year, $100 million extension with Atlanta in 2019. Based on his production over his past few healthy seasons, he owns one of the most team-friendly contracts in MLB.

Acuna has hinted at interest in another extension, telling The Athletic in February 2024 that he wants “to be a Brave for life.”

Per Spotrac, Acuna is scheduled to become a free agent after the 2028 season, when he’ll be 30 years old. He has a club option in 2027 and 2028, and carries a $17 million payroll each season from 2025-28.

Ronald Acuna Jr. stats

When healthy, Acuna is one of the most electrifying players in MLB. His 2023 season included 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases, becoming the first player to ever notch a 40-70 season. He won the NL MVP award in 2023.

Here’s a look at his career stats: