{
  "id": 12021821,
  "title": "Former MVP Reacts to Controversial Playoff Pitching Decision",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/10/04/former-mvp-reacts-to-controversial-playoff-pitching-decision",
  "topic": "culture",
  "section": "Culture",
  "published": "2026-10-04T22:19:54.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Newsweek",
    "slug": "newsweek",
    "url": "https://www.newsweek.com/sports/mlb/former-mvp-reacts-to-controversial-playoff-pitching-decision-12523022"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. commented on the team's decision not to start left-hander Chris Sale for Game 2 of the National League Division Series. The Braves opted to rest Sale, who has been their best pitcher all season with a 2.16 ERA and 200 strikeouts, for Game 2 as Ray Kerr took his place. Acuña stated that he has no control over the decision and that the team needs to focus on winning the upcoming games. The Braves are currently leading the NL East, having defeated the Dodgers in a close series, but they struggled against them throughout the regular season. Sale played a crucial role in their three-game sweep of the Dodgers. However, his appearance in Game 2 will not be possible, as he last pitched for the team in the third game of the Wild Card Series. Acuña, a former NL MVP winner, is one of the best players in MLB and can significantly impact the outcome of the series.",
  "summary": "Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. chimed in on the Braves' decision not to start left-hander Chris Sale.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 1,
    "also_reported_by": []
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}