The Atlanta Braves just gave their fans a game full of headlines last night. It was the kind of night where one swing, one sprint, and one stinger could all shift the mood in a heartbeat. From Acuña hitting a big career milestone to hoping Harris is alright after being hit by a pitch to simply enjoying another win over the Mets, last night had a mix of everything.
Acuña Hits 200 Steals and Looks Healthy Doing It
Let’s start with the big one. Ronald Acuña Jr. just stole his 200th career base, and he did it with the same flair that made Braves fans fall in love with him to begin with. Remember when we were all biting our nails watching him rehab that knee earlier in the season?
Yeah, well, looks like he’s finally trusting that leg again. He got a clean jump on the Mets and made it to second. Suddenly, we’re all pulling up Baseball Reference trying to find out just how rare 200 bags is for a player his age. Spoiler alert: it is definitely rare.
While nobody is threatening Rickey Henderson’s 1,406 just yet, milestones like this remind us we’re watching a generational player. Acuña’s blend of power, speed, and charisma keeps fans glued to the TV and opponents guessing every time he’s on base. Just keep that man healthy, and who knows? Could we be talking 300-300 someday? Or something even wilder?
Whit Merrifield Says Goodbye to MLB
Meanwhile, as one Braves star climbs the ladder, another closes the book. Whit Merrifield officially announced his retirement on June 24th, ending a solid nine-year MLB career.
Most of his prime years were spent in Kansas City, where he was a hit machine and a stolen base leader. But in 2024, he came to Atlanta — the team he grew up rooting for — and filled in admirably during a brutal stretch of injuries.
He wasn’t flashy, but he was reliable, and that mattered. Merrifield finishes with a .280/.328/.413 slash line, 94 homers, 218 stolen bases, and nearly 20 wins above replacement (fWAR). The numbers are good, but the grit and leadership is what Braves fans will remember. From Gamecock to Royal to Brave — he leaves the game with respect and gratitude.
Harris Gets Plunked, Braves Hold Their Breath
Not everything was rosy on the night. Michael Harris II had to exit the game after taking a pitch off the elbow during the Braves’ five-run late-inning rally. He did manage to stay in for an inning afterwards. But when his spot came back around, manager Brian Snitker had Stuart Fairchild ready to pinch-hit. After the game, Snitker called it a stinger and said they expect the elbow to be okay but will reassess tomorrow.
Harris could probably use the reset, if we are being honest. He’s been ice cold in June, with a .179 OBP and just a 25 wRC+. That’s not the kind of production Atlanta can afford to carry, especially with division races tightening. Maybe a few days off is what the doctor ordered. He can rest the arm, clear the mind, and come back looking like the Michael Harris Braves fans know he can be.
