Braves’ Acuña describes feelings for Freeman as ‘nothing’

By CHARLES ODUM
AP Sports Writer

ATLANTA (AP) — Ronald Acuña Jr. is not among the Atlanta Braves players who will be missing Freddie Freeman as the team opens its season. Acuña criticized Freeman, the former longtime Braves first baseman who signed with the Los Angeles Dodgers in the offseason, in an Instagram Live interview. Asked if he would miss Freeman, Acuña replied “Me? Nothing.” The star outfielder says he and Freeman “just shared the same stadium” and “had several clashes.” Acuña is the first Atlanta player to have anything but praise for Freeman, the 2020 NL MVP who helped lead the Braves to last season’s World Series championship. Before Thursday night’s opener, Acuña said he thought his comments were blown out of proportion by the media. Acuña is recovering from a torn ACL. The Braves hope Acuña can return in May.