An already challenging season for the Atlanta Braves got tougher over the weekend with the season-ending ACL injury sustained by outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. The team’s leadoff bat, electrifying talent and overall best player will not play the rest of the year.

“It’s just another punch in the gut that we’ve got to endure,” said Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker said. 

The National League’s leading vote getter for Tuesday’s All-Star game will now focus on recovering from Saturday’s injury that happened as he landed after attempting to make a catch in the outfield. He knew something was wrong right away but did not understand the severity until he was told by doctors.

“I feel bad to be honest, right now,” Acuña Jr. said through an interpreter. “When I got the news I was really disappointed and sad; one of the reasons being, I love to play. It’s what I do. I want to be able to play. I’m really sad and disappointed for the team. I know they need me. I want to be there for them and help contribute.”

It’s a shocking end to a season in which Acuña Jr. figured to contend for the league’s Most Valuable Player award. He was batting .283 with 24 homers, 52 RBIs, 72 runs and 17 stolen bases.

“He’s a young, strong guy. He’ll recover great and continue a Hall of Fame career when he’s done,” Snitker said. “Ronald’s strong, takes great care of himself. I expect him to recover and be just as strong as he ever was.”

It’s the latest setback for a Braves team that figured to contend for its first World Series appearance in more than 20 years. The team lost star pitcher Mike Soroka again to another torn Achilles that’ll sideline him until next season. Catcher Travis D’Arnaud has been sidelined after having surgery to replace a torn ligament in his thumb. 

The Braves also have been without right-hander Huascar Ynoa, who broke his hand punching a bench following a rough outing. 

But the loss of Acuña Jr. is the biggest setback the organization has suffered in some time..

“You’re not going to replace him. This guy’s arguably the best player in the game right now,” Snitker said. “It’s going to be hard to replace him. Somebody’s going to get an opportunity, whether it’s in this clubhouse, who knows? But it’s what you do in our business, you just keep going. You keep playing, rally the troops and you go.”