The long wait is finally over for the Atlanta Braves. After what felt like an eternity, their marquee player has finally made his return. But, while fans expected the headlines to be about his swing, it was something entirely different that stole the spotlight—and split the internet in the process. Yes, we are talking about Ronald Acuna Jr. He is back, and has already got everyone talking—for reasons no one expected.

Acuna Jr. went on the IL in the majors after tearing his left ACL almost a year ago, last May. However, after 8-7 loss at Washington earlier this week, the Braves manager Brian Snitker announced that Acuna would return on Friday night to play his first match of the season. And just like that, he was activated from the injury list ahead of the series opener against the San Diego Padres at Truist Park.

When Acuna arrived at the venue on Friday, cameras flashed to capture his return. With a flashy smile in an all-black outfit, his aura was off the roof. Interestingly, one of his accessories included a pink crossbody bag, and that’s all it took to start a bizarre public discourse—those criticising him for his choice of color and those finding it baseless.

People took to the comment section of MLB’s X account, and just like that, #Acuna started trending.

Acuna’s debut this season is something fans have been looking forward to. He is a four-time All-Star and was the 2018 National League Rookie of the Year. In 2023, he won the NL MVP and in his last full season, he became the first player in MLB history to steal 70 bases and hit 40 home runs in a single season. He hits at .289/.379/.525 with 165 homers, 417 RBIs, and 196 stolen bases in his career with the Braves.

These are not the stats of a mediocre player, and someone like him might be exactly what the Braves have been missing this season. But now that he’s back, instead of focusing on the impact he could make, the spotlight has shifted somewhere completely unexpected.

Ronald Acuna Jr.’s pink purse sparks debate

It is the 21st century—what a man should wear or not shouldn’t even be in discussion, right? But it seems like people just need something to talk about. Fans registered their opinions on Acuna’s uncanny choice under the MLB’s post on X.

“Pink purse? He just needs to have a glass of wine or a little margarita and he’ll be one of the ladies,” wrote a fan. Yes, the old-school misogyny in open light. This fan finds the pink purse too girly—and somehow, that is a bad thing. They mustn’t have imagined the former National League MVP winner making his long-awaited return like this.

The Braves designated Orlando Arcia for assignment on Friday to make room for Acuna, and that’s how he appeared for his big game debut this season. Even though Acuna faced social media outrage just a month ago, this time, it’s over something far more trivial.

“Bro hasn’t played in a year and decided for his first game back that a purse was the move,” wrote another fan. They seemed a little too frustrated with Acuna’s injuries.

Acuna is returning after almost a year since he left the team following his ACL tear. The 27-year-old outfielder had not played in the majors since last May. While he was missing this season, the Braves found themselves with an embarrassing 24-25 record. If only Acuna weren’t so easily hit with back-to-back injuries, they might have had a different outcome.

“I can only assume the purse is where he keeps his 2 ACLs,” a netizen wrote. This was a lighthearted jab at Acuna’s injuries and the fact that he was wearing a pink bag.

Acuna also had a right ACL tear in 2021 and returned only by May 2022. Upon his return, he needed regular rest, and his game hasn’t been the same ever since. This time around, as well, avoiding risks will be a major concern for him.

But, it is not clear whether the fans are happy about Acuna’s return, or upset about him carrying a pink bag? While some are making fun, a whole lot are calling out the double standards of the raging fans as well.

“For anyone who wants to give him crap about the bag… that’s a $1,200 bag,” wrote one fan. Ooh, that’s expensive. Even though the bag’s price has nothing to do with the game, this fan is probably suggesting that those who criticize Acuna for a silly little pink bag often forget reality. He has the money, which has come because of his exceptional talent and hard-work.

“Carried the fit. Bout to carry the squad. Pink purse. Power swings,” wrote another fan. Yes, that’s the truth. Acuna looked stunning, really confident, and happy to return to the game after a long time. This might be the result of last week’s rehab stint with the Gwinnett Stripers. He was sharp, batting .417 with one home run and a 1.465 OPS.

What the fans now need is an electric performance from the former All-Star. But anything on social media is soon judged and a verdict passed on.

Clearly, a player’s outfit or personal style shouldn’t be a concern for the fans who are simply here for the game. But unfortunately, that’s not the case at times. People are quick to project a version of masculinity, dismissing and mocking anything that challenges traditional norms. And it is unfortunate that Acuna finds himself in the center of it all this time.

If Acuna wants to silence the trolls though, he’ll need to deliver on Friday—then that’s all the world will be talking about.