Ronald Acuña Jr. added another remarkable achievement to his already historic career Wednesday, becoming the fastest player in MLB history to reach 200 home runs and 200 stolen bases. The Atlanta Braves star reached the milestone during a dominant 9-0 victory over the Washington Nationals, helping Atlanta rebound from consecutive losses and strengthen its position in the National League East race.
Acuña entered the game needing one home run to reach 200 for his career. He delivered in the seventh inning, launching a three-run shot off Max Kranick to put Atlanta firmly in control. Earlier in the game, he had also stolen his 20th base of the season, bringing his career total to 225 stolen bases. The combination made him the first player in MLB history to reach 200 homers and 200 steals in only 904 games, surpassing Alfonso Soriano’s previous mark of 929 games and Eric Davis’ 1,053.
The accomplishment adds another chapter to Acuña’s extraordinary career and underscores the rare combination of power and speed that has made him one of baseball’s most dangerous offensive players. His milestone was particularly important for Atlanta after the Braves had dropped back-to-back games against San Francisco and Washington following a seven-game winning streak.
Acuña’s milestone highlights Atlanta’s offensive response
Acuña wasn’t the only Braves hitter to make an impact. Sean Murphy also delivered a three-run home run, eventually finishing with four RBIs, while Austin Riley contributed two RBIs. The Braves broke through after a scoreless opening portion of the game and turned the contest into a rout with a six-run surge beginning in the sixth inning.
The pitching staff was equally impressive. Grant Holmes opened the game with three no-hit innings before the contest was interrupted by a 1-hour, 26-minute rain delay. Elieser Hernández then provided three scoreless innings in relief after being added to the roster, and Atlanta’s pitching staff ultimately limited Washington to only two hits.
The victory improved Atlanta to 83-57, keeping the Braves firmly atop the NL East and giving them valuable momentum heading into a major upcoming series against the Philadelphia Phillies.
Blake Burkhalter optioned after MLB debut
Atlanta also made an important roster decision involving right-hander Blake Burkhalter. The Braves selected Burkhalter’s contract from Triple-A Gwinnett on September 1, giving the 25-year-old his first opportunity in the majors. He made his MLB debut against Washington, allowing one run in one inning.
However, his stay in the majors lasted only one day. Atlanta optioned Burkhalter back to Gwinnett on Wednesday as the club brought Hernández back onto the major-league roster.
Burkhalter had been particularly effective after moving into a full-time bullpen role in the minors. He posted a 1.26 ERA with 46 strikeouts and only 11 walks across 35.2 innings, making him an intriguing depth option for Atlanta as the season moves deeper into September.
Hayden Harris designated for assignment
The Braves also designated left-handed pitcher Hayden Harris for assignment to clear a spot on the 40-man roster for Hernández. Harris had experienced command problems between Double-A Columbus and Triple-A Gwinnett, issuing 37 walks over 48.2 innings while posting a 5.55 ERA.
There is still reason for other teams to have interest in Harris, however. Despite his control struggles, he struck out 64 hitters during that span and has maintained an impressive strikeout rate throughout his minor-league career.
Hernández, meanwhile, gives Atlanta another experienced arm capable of providing length out of the bullpen. He had already appeared twice for the Braves earlier in the season, allowing one run while recording six strikeouts and four walks over six innings.
Braves enter crucial stretch
The roster moves come at an important point of the season. Atlanta is firmly in postseason contention, and the club’s upcoming matchup with Philadelphia could have major implications for the NL East race.
Acuña’s return to his dynamic form is particularly encouraging for the Braves. After dealing with a hamstring injury earlier in the season, he has continued to demonstrate why Atlanta views him as a central piece of its championship hopes. His historic 200-homer/200-steal achievement now gives the Braves another major storyline as they prepare for the final stretch of the regular season.
With Acuña providing power and speed, Murphy supplying middle-of-the-order production, and the pitching staff finding ways to limit opponents, Atlanta has plenty of reasons for optimism. The immediate challenge will be maintaining that consistency against stronger competition, with the Phillies looming as the next major test.
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