MESA, Ariz. -- Ronald Acuna, the top-ranked prospect in the Arizona Fall League this year and the Braves' No. 1 prospect, left Thursday's game with a left forearm contusion after being struck by a pitch from Tigers right-hander Spencer Turnbull in the second inning.
Acuna, ranked No. 5 on MLB Pipeline's Top 100 Prospects list, was hitting leadoff for the Peoria Javelinas and had already reached on an error and scored in the first inning. The multi-tooled center fielder had worked a 3-0 count against Turnbull, but what would have been ball four sailed up and in and struck Acuna on the arm.
The 19-year-old doubled over in pain and after being checked out by the trainer, he initially stayed in the game and came around to score. But when Peoria went out for defense in the bottom half of the inning, fellow Braves outfield prospect Jared James entered the game in left field, with Mariners prospect Braden Bishop moving over to take over in center for Acuna.
After the game, Peoria manager Luis Salazar suggested the injury was not serious. "He's fine. It looked very bad, but he's day-to-day.
"He might be back Saturday, depends how he feels."
Acuna has gone 3-for-8 over his first three games in the Fall League.