Acuña MVP-Mode Sparks Braves to 40 Wins, Eyes October

The Braves stand 40-19, the first team to reach 40 wins, even while dealing with injuries to key players; Ronald Acuña Jr. is back at MVP level, fueling a 5-2 win over the Reds as Atlanta’s depth reasserts itself with pitchers Schwellenbach, Waldrep and Smith-Shawver nearing health. With Baldwin’s return on the horizon and Kim/Riley gradually finding form, the team looks dangerous in October if health cooperates. The recap also notes MLB updates: Munetaka Murikami’s hamstring strain, Jarred Kelenic’s free-agent status after DFA, and Luis Severino’s shoulder strain on the A’s IL.