LAWRENCEVILLE, Ga. -- April 14 has come and gone without much fanfare.
Atlanta Braves fans had the date circled on their calendar because it was the earliest top outfield prospect Ronald Acuna could have been called up to the majors. The Braves decided to hold-off from adding Acuna to their opening day roster in order to gain another year of contractual control of the young star.
Saturday, April 14 was the earliest they could gain that control, although it was never a guarentee from general manager Alex Anthropoulos. He told 11Alive earlier in the season that there was no timetable for Acuna's MLB debut.
Now, they are likely waiting for a different reason. Acuna's in a slump with the Gwinnett Stripers, the Braves' triple-A affiliate.
Acuna has four hits in 31 at bats. He has three walks. He's having trouble laying off pitches and has 11 strikeouts. He's still displaying his athleticism in the outfield, but he's ice-cold at the plate.
"I'm usually a slow starter," Acuna told 11Alive through a translator on Saturday before the Stripers' game against the Rochester Redwings. "Last year, started slow. I'm not really doing anything different, just getting more reps everyday."
Acuna, displaying his typical relaxed, nonchalant personality, isn't showing any signs of frustration despite starting with the fifth-worst average on the Stripers' roster. His average sits at .138 with no RBIs.
"It'll take care of itself."
Fans in Gwinnett will take it. Acuna was only expected to play at Coolray Field for one, maybe two games. Fans are flocking to catch a glimpse of the 20-year-old Venezuelan who is regarded by many as the top prospect in baseball.
Acuna's there, but he's not producing the fireworks fans have been hoping to see. He's working on his hitting and making contact. His words.
"I'm starting to feel myself again. I feel good out there. Hopefully we pick it up the next 10 games," he said.
When the time comes, the Braves will have some tough decisions to make with a roster that's hitting well. Those decisions will likely affect the future of Preston Tucker, who's been holding Acuna's spot in the outfield. He leads the Braves in RBIs with 12 and started the season with a seven-game hitting streak. He's cooled off some, but he's still a reliable bat in the lineup.
Acuna didn't answer whether or not he was aware that Saturday was the earliest date he could be called-up. Even if he was, he gave the right answer-- It really doesn't matter right now. Not until he works through his slump.
"I’m not really worried about it or thinking about my call-up date. I’m just worried about now and here and performing well here," Acuna said. "I’m excited for all the fans who are excited about me, as well. I’m happy about where my career is going. I’m just going to continue to work and see what happens."
It's not a matter of if, but when. Acuna's battled through slumps in the past and came out as one of the most dangerous hitters in the lineup. The same hitter that hit .423 with four home runs and 11 RBIs in spring training and was the MVP of the Arizona Fall League last year.
Fans will see him at SunTrust Park soon enough.
