Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is running away with the National League MVP race because he makes an impact in virtually every facet of baseball. His performance on the base path has especially changed the game for the Braves this year, and we saw exactly how Acuña’s mere presence can throw off a pitcher.
The scene even left Arizona Diamondbacks manager Torrey Lovullo perplexed.
With the Braves looking to rally in the ninth inning of Wednesday’s game against the D-backs, Acuña led off the inning with a double and advanced to third on an Austin Riley fly out. Pitcher Kevin Ginkel became fixated with Acuña taking a generous lead off third base. It got to the point where Ginkel became visibly upset and walked Acuña back to third base.
What in the Ginkel is going on!? pic.twitter.com/SM61IQicLQ
— Pro-Perdomo (@Dbacks_Domo) July 20, 2023
something new every daypic.twitter.com/USRaeY3Qme
— Codify (@CodifyBaseball) July 20, 2023
It was pretty clear that Acuña didn’t do anything wrong there, which had the D-backs trying to calm the pitcher down. Acuña would score on a passed ball and had a staredown with Ginkel as he crossed home plate.
— Bally Sports: Braves (@BravesOnBally) July 20, 2023
After the game, which the Diamondbacks won, Lovullo sided with Acuña in the incident because, again, the Braves star didn’t do anything wrong.
Diamondbacks manager Torey Lovullo on last night's Kevin Ginkel-Ronald Acuña Jr. situation:
"Acuña was doing everything he was supposed to do. Kevin shouldn't have paid any attention to that.” pic.twitter.com/Eey4TebEWd
— Bally Sports South (@BallySportsSO) July 20, 2023
“We’ll get that tightened up,” Lovullo said after the game.
MLB fans also appreciated how Lovullo handled the situation given Ginkel’s overreaction.