Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. made MLB history on Monday, one week away from the all-star break.
Acuña stole his 40th goal of the season in the Braves’ 4-2 win over the Cleveland Guardians. It made him the first player in MLB history to record at least 20 homers, 40 stolen bases and 50 RBI before the All-Star break. depending on the league.
He is the first player since Rickey Henderson in 1986 with 40 stolen bases and 50 RBI heading into the All-Star Game. Acuña is also the fastest to record 20 home runs and 40 stolen bases in league history, having reached the mark in just 84 games. by ESPN.
Acuña stole his 40th base of the season in the top of the third inning Monday at Progressive Field. After arriving on base with a right-hand single, he managed to reach second place, but barely. He also appeared to injure his shoulder on the play, although he remained in the game.
Acuña was then hit on an RBI single by Ozzie Albies, which gave Atlanta a 2-0 lead. Michael Harris II hit a pair of solo homers in the win, and Marcell Ozuna added one of his own. The Braves have now won nine straight games and hold a nine-game lead over the Miami Marlins in Eastern Newfoundland.
Acuña has 21 homers and 54 RBIs so far this season, as well as 40 stolen bases. The 25-year-old is 0.335 batting average, has 113 hits and was recently named to his third consecutive All-Star Game. He was also named NL Player of the Month for June and Player of the Week on Monday.