Atlanta Braves' star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr's groin injury is not as bad as first feared following a scan.
The 24-year-old left the field on Tuesday against the Boston Red Sox after tweaking his groin and continued to feel discomfort while missing the next three games.
The Braves decided to send Acuna for an MRI scan, which came back negative.
Previous knee issues
Acuna Jr is 8/1 to win the National League Most Valuable Player and has just returned to the roster after spending nine months out with a ruptured ACL.
He went 1-5 with a single and two stolen bases as the Braves defeated the Chicago Cubs. So far he has played just 10 games since being brought back and team manager Brian Snitker was asked if his knee injury had played any part in his current situation, but the coach said it's just a minor groin issue.
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Snitker received the news on Saturday before the Braves' comeback victory over the San Diego Padres 6-5.
'Best news possible'
Speaking to MLB.com, Snitker said: "It's the best news possible. There was nothing big. He's just going to be day-to-day. I don't know how long it will be. But there is nothing from the MRI that shows he's going to be shut down.
"I haven't had any reports about the knee. It's just from all the running and sliding with the groin."
Snitker also said that Acuna will likely not play on Sunday, but he didn't rule out the outfielder being placed in the lineup for the Braves' opening game against the Milwaukee Brewers on Monday.
There appears to be no talk of the Braves putting Acuna on the injured list, despite having a shortened bench at present.
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