Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss delivered a strong endorsement of Ronald Acuña Jr. after the Braves opened their series against the Milwaukee Brewers on Friday.
Although Atlanta suffered a narrow 2-1 loss, Acuña provided one of the game’s biggest highlights with an outstanding defensive play. The Braves star threw out Milwaukee’s Luis Lara at second base with a powerful 92.3 mph throw, preventing what would have been an extra-base hit.
Following the game, Weiss praised Acuña’s arm in emphatic terms, saying that the play would have resulted in a double “99 times out of 100.” The Braves manager then went even further, describing Acuña as having “probably the best outfield arm in the game.”
The throw quickly became a major talking point on social media, with MLB, FOX Sports and several baseball personalities highlighting the accuracy and velocity of Acuña’s defensive effort.
The moment also underscored the impact Acuña can make beyond his offensive production. After dealing with injury issues earlier in the season, the former MVP has returned to provide the Braves with another dangerous weapon as they push toward the postseason.
Despite dropping Friday’s game, Atlanta remains atop the National League East at 75-54 after 129 games. The Braves are 4-6 over their last 10 games and will continue their series against Milwaukee before returning home to face the Los Angeles Dodgers next week.
