Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. receives encouraging injury update after HBP vs. Nationals originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves know they have a superstar in right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr., and they are working to find ways to secure him with a long-term contract extension before it is too late.

“Philadelphia, however, knew that they could use their team options as leverage to gain extra years of control. They could guarantee Sanchez a higher salary in each of the next four seasons in exchange for an extra two years. While the year-to-year breakdown isn't available yet, Sanchez will make roughly $60 million more under his new deal than he was set to make under his old deal,” HTHB’s Mitchell Barbee wrote. “The Braves would certainly have to pay Acuña much more than an extra $60 million, but with two extremely friendly club options remaining, the Braves could instead up his salary across the next two seasons in a long-term extension in exchange for a lower overall average annual value over the course of the next six to eight years. If Acuña gets to his final club option without a new contract with the Braves, Atlanta has virtually no shot in retaining him. If they follow the Phillies' blueprint, they still might have a shot.”

On Monday, Acuña Jr. exited the game against the Washington Nationals after being hit in the hand by a pitch. It was the second time he had been hit in the game.

“Ronald Acuna Jr. left the Atlanta Braves' game in the sixth inning after Nationals starter Jake Irvin hit him with a pitch for a second time Monday night. The Braves were trailing 2-0 when Irvin hit Acuna with a 92 mph fastball leading off the fourth. Atlanta was down 3-2 with no outs in the sixth when Irvin hit him with a 91 mph fastball,” ESPN wrote.

Acuña was listed as day-to-day following evaluation of his hand. He did not speak with reporters, but there is optimism he could return as soon as Tuesday.

“Acuña left without talking to reporters. But the sense seems to be he could play tomorrow,” Braves beat writer Mark Bowman wrote.

The Braves are right there with the Los Angeles Dodgers as one of the best teams in baseball. Injuries are never ideal, especially when they involve the face of the franchise.

The good news is that Acuña Jr. does not appear to be facing an extended absence. Even if he is available Tuesday against Washington, manager Walt Weiss may opt to give him a day of rest.

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