Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. exited Thursday's game against the Miami Marlins in the sixth inning as a precaution due to left thumb pain.
Initial X-rays on his thumb returned negative, the team announced. Acuna is listed as day-to-day following his removal.
The issue arose when Acuna had his thumb examined near the dugout during the fifth inning. He briefly returned to right field before being replaced by Eli White.
Before leaving, Acuna recorded two hits, including a two-run single in the top of the fifth that gave the Braves a 5-2 lead.
Atlanta led 6-2 at the time of his exit.
Recent Return from Hamstring Injury
Thursday's game was Acuna's third since returning from a left hamstring strain that had sidelined him since May 2.
The injury occurred while running out a grounder against the Rockies.
Acuna was activated on May 18 after missing a 12-0 loss to Miami. He expressed excitement about returning to action.
"Super happy to once again return to the field," Acuna said.
The five-time All-Star noted he wanted to return just three days after the hamstring injury but had to follow medical guidelines.
"The most important thing is to come back healthy and help the club," Acuna said.
Acuna acknowledged that prior recovery experience helped him navigate rehabilitation. "But you have to follow the protocol with that type of injury," he said.
He recognized that even minor issues could worsen. "It may be considered minor, but it could cost you the entire season.
Thankfully, being more experienced helped me through this recovery," Acuna said.
The series opener also marked his return to Miami since international competition. "Returning here now you view it differently because of what happened," he said.
"This place will always bring me special memories."
Before activation, team management voiced caution about the playing surface in Miami. "The turf is a little bit tougher on soft tissue," said manager Walt Weiss.
Weiss explained that such surfaces impact recovery for lower-body ailments. "Hamstrings, quads, groins -- that type of thing.
It's a factor.
It's not the factor, but it's part of the equation when you're talking about activating somebody," he said.
Management clarified that Acuna would not be used continuously without rest. "We're going to take it day by day," Weiss said.
Acuna is batting . 252 with two home runs, nine RBIs, and seven stolen bases over 162 plate appearances this season.
