Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. faces emotions of second torn ACL - ESPN

ATLANTA — Ronald Acuna Jr. is emboldened at the start of his journey through a second major knee surgery and recovery by the knowledge he enjoyed such a successful comeback from his first procedure.

Acuña said Thursday that hasn't stopped the tears from flowing as he adjusts to the reality his season ended when he suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee Sunday in Pittsburgh.

After the Braves announced Sunday night that an MRI showed a complete tear in the ligament, support started to come in for Acuña, the reigning National League MVP.

«I haven't gotten around to replying to a lot of those messages because those messages come from a place of support,» Acuña said through an interpreter. «I just sort of break down and start crying.… I know they just want what's best for me.»

This is Acuña's second season-ending knee injury. He tore his right ACL on July 20, 2021, and came back strong with his 2023 MVP season. Even though few players have had to recover from torn ACLs in both knees, he said his familiarity with the surgery and rehab gives him confidence.

«I think it has been easier to process this go-around because I went through the process two years ago,» Acuña said.

Acuña said the surgery will be performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Tuesday. ElAttrache also was the surgeon for the 2021 procedure. Acuña expects to spend a least one month in Los Angeles as he begins his rehabilitation with hopes of returning for the start of the 2025 season.

Acuña was hurt after opening Sunday's 8-1 win over the Pirates with a double and then breaking from second base on a stolen base attempt. His left knee gave way when he stopped in an attempt to return to second base.

Acuña is a native of Venezuela, and