The Atlanta Braves opted for better safe than sorry with their superstar earlier this week and it paid off with Wednesday night's performance

Ronald Acuña Jr. hits two home runs as the Atlanta Braves crushed the Athletics 9-2 . Acuña's first homer was a massive leadoff shot and his second came in the fourth for his 14th career multi-homer game.

The Atlanta Braves have struggled mightily this season, but they are not willing to sell Chris Sale or their other long-term core players.

Right-hander Paul Blackburn (shoulder impingement) is throwing a bullpen Thursday at Camden Yards. Should he continue to progress over the All-Star break, the Mets will send him to Port St. Lucie to face hitters before sending him on a minor league rehab assignment.

Explore the latest MLB rumors for the Braves and Mariners as the trade deadline approaches and Ronald Acuna Jr.'s future remains in question.

Just hours before Tuesday’s game against the Oakland Athletics, the Atlanta Braves made an announcement that likely deflated their already struggling clubhouse. Star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. was pulled from the lineup with lower back tightness,

The Braves haven't been shy about being cautious with Acuña. He's been pulled from a couple of games just to preserve his health. He left the 10-1 loss to the Rockies early simply because it was a blowout. He was removed from the 13-0 loss to the Phillies due to the weather, plus the game got out of hand early on.