Braves Fans Have Every Right to Be Nervous About Freddie Freeman and Ronald Acuña Jr. Injury Issues

The injury bug reared has reared its ugly head for the Atlanta Braves in the last week, as two of the club's biggest stars are currently combating worrisome ailments with the postseason literally right around the corner.

Freddie Freeman is still recovering from a sore right elbow and Ronald Acuña Jr. was forced from Tuesday night's game, albeit as a precaution, with right hip tightness, which could force him out until the weekend.

Yes, the Braves clinched the NL East crown on Friday and don't have any shot at catching the Dodgers for the NL's best record, so they aren't at all inclined to start all of their regulars. BUT, Atlanta fans absolutely have every right to be feeling a little queasy with playoff ball just a week away, and lingering injuries and tightness all hitting at once.

Freeman's bone spurs are far from a one-and-done scenario; he's had multiple recurrences throughout the campaign. Can you really buy the notion that he'll be fully healed from the injury in a week's time? No, definitely not -- even if he plays.

Acuña's dilemma oozes more positivity, as he probably would've remained in the game on Tuesday were it an NLDS clash. The star outfielder will likely sit out the final game against the Royals, but the fact that we even have a shadow of doubt hanging over his readiness now doesn't bode well.

Manager Brian Snitker will ideally like both All-Stars to return for this weekend's season-finale slate against the Mets, as it'll serve as the final tuneup before the postseason, and we wouldn't be surprised to see either man active.

As we know, though, "healthy enough to play" and "fully healthy" are two entirely different narratives, and it goes without saying that Freeman and Acuña are both personifying the former at quite possibly the worst time.

Don't be afraid to at least sweat a little bit, Braves fans. You don't have to panic, but you have every right to reserve judgment for now.