Phillies news and rumors 5/24: Ronald Acuña Jr. having career year as Atlanta trip looms

The Philadelphia Phillies would be wise to salvage the third and final game of their series with the Arizona Diamondbacks Wednesday afternoon, because after that they have a trip to Atlanta — where they’ll see arguably the best player in the sport — looming.

Whether you love or hate Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., he’s a Hall of Fame-caliber player. And as he moves further away from the torn right ACL he suffered in July of 2021, Acuña may be putting together the finest campaign of an already-decorated career.

Still only 25, Acuña is currently slashing .337/.427/.588 with 11 home runs, 27 RBIs, 20 stolen bases and an MLB-leading 2.7 WAR, per FanGraphs. Typically the leadoff hitter in Brian Snitker’s lineup, Acuña also leads baseball with 46 runs scored.

The play that defines Acuña’s early NL MVP candidacy, though, came when he just casually took an extra base earlier this week against the Los Angeles Dodgers:

While the Phillies bested Acuña and the Braves last year in the NLDS, the three-time All-Star has typically dominated the Phillies. In 61 career games against the Phillies, Acuña has 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, 35 walks and a .949 OPS.

The Braves — who have won five consecutive NL East titles — will welcome the Phillies to Truist Park for a four-game series beginning Thursday night. It will mark the first time that the two teams have faced off since last year’s NLDS.

Must-Read (Or Watch) Phillies Content

• Bryce Harper spoke confidently about Trea Turner’s ability to turn things around after Tuesday evening’s loss.
• Facts only:

• Here’s the latest on center fielder Brandon Marsh, who was scratched from Tuesday evening’s lineup.
• Scott Lauber of The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote about local product Zac Gallen, who has emerged as an ace for the Diamondbacks. Gallen will square off with Ranger Suárez this afternoon at Citizens Bank Park.
• Shane Victorino’s still got it.
• Anthony SanFilippo of Crossing Broad
  took an in-depth look at exactly what the 2023 Phillies are given the inconsistent start they’ve had to the season.
• This serves no purpose, but is interesting nonetheless. Via Uni Watch, here’s a look at what the Phillies logo like if it utilized the gradient color scheme that the Tampa Bay Devil Rays did:

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