
Ronald Acuña Jr. Set to Make Triumphant Return to the Braves This Friday!
2025-05-23
Author: Wei
Exciting news for fans of the Atlanta Braves—superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. is on the verge of returning to the field! After being pulled from his scheduled sixth rehab game with Triple-A Gwinnett, reports indicate that Acuña is headed to Truist Park to rejoin the team. It’s expected that he will be activated from the injured list just in time for the series opener against the San Diego Padres.
A Year Since the Injury: Acuña's Road to Recovery
This return is particularly poignant as it comes just days before the one-year anniversary of Acuña's devastating ACL tear. On May 26, 2024, he injured his left knee while attempting a stolen base—a heart-wrenching moment that marked yet another setback in his seven-year career, following a similar injury to his right knee in July 2021 during the Braves' World Series run.
Can He Recapture His MVP Magic?
Acuña's recovery has been closely monitored, especially following his quicker comeback from the same injury in 2022, though he struggled to find his rhythm that season. He managed to hit just .266 during that stretch, far below his pre-injury form. However, 2023 saw him rebounding spectacularly, clinching the National League MVP award. This season, he's faced challenges—batting .250 in just 49 games—raising questions about his readiness to jump back into a competitive environment.
What’s Next for the Braves?
The Braves have approached this rehab period with caution, allowing Acuña no game action during Spring Training and keeping him on the IL for the first two months of the season. His recent rehab stint, featuring five hits and seven walks in five games, convinced the Braves that he's ready to reclaim his leadoff spot in the lineup.
Acuña's Return Could Shake Up the Lineup
Position-wise, Acuña will resume his role as the team's right fielder, while Eli White has been showcasing his skills this season. White’s impressive .311 batting average in April has cooled in May, but he still outperforms Alex Verdugo, who has struggled significantly at the plate with a .257 average and no home runs.
Braves Standing Strong Amid Challenges
As for the team dynamics, despite a rough start to the season, the Braves have clawed their way back to a .500 record. Currently three games shy of the NL’s final Wild Card spot, they are eager to turn the tide against the Padres, who previously swept them in their season opener. Will Acuña be the spark the Braves need to ignite their postseason hopes?
Stay tuned for what promises to be a thrilling return as Ronald Acuña Jr. prepares to rejoin his teammates and chase more glory on the diamond!