The Atlanta Braves have received encouraging news regarding the status of their 2023 National League Most Valuable Player (MVP), Ronald Acuña Jr., gaining a clearer perspective on the next steps in his recovery process. The dynamic Venezuelan outfielder is steadily progressing toward rejoining the Braves’ lineup, a development that would significantly bolster the team’s ambitions this season.
Last week, Braves manager Brian Snitker indicated that the next phase of Acuña Jr.’s recovery would center on conditioning for the pace of game action, with particular emphasis on running drills. Snitker specifically highlighted starting, stopping, and changing direction as key exercises that Acuña Jr. would begin to incorporate.
Furthermore, he revealed that Acuña Jr. has already faced live pitching during batting practice—though he has yet to run out of the batter’s box. This suggests that his knee has cleared the necessary torque and resistance tests for that stage of activity.
According to Justin Toscano of the Atlanta Journal-Constitution, via X (formerly Twitter), Acuña Jr. has now been medically cleared to ramp up his preparation, with the goal of beginning a minor league rehab assignment in the near future. “Ronald Acuña Jr. was cleared to ramp up activity and begin progressing toward a rehab assignment. No timetable, but seems like he’s on schedule to return at some point in the next month, as we’d originally thought,” Toscano reported.
2023 National League Most Valuable Player (MVP), Ronald Acuña Jr. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Significant progress in Acuña Jr.’s recovery
Acuña Jr. has been out of action since late May 2024 due to a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)—his second such injury, having previously torn the ACL in his opposite knee. In contrast to teammate Spencer Strider, who is also recovering from injury, Acuña Jr. did not participate in any simulated games during spring training, focusing instead on training activities on practice fields. The Braves’ cautious approach reflects the critical importance of ensuring a full and seamless recovery for their explosive outfielder.
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Game adjustments and outlook for his Return
Even when cleared for unrestricted running, Acuña Jr. is expected to prioritize his offensive contributions while managing his base-running aggressiveness to preserve the long-term health of both knees. The Braves are likely to avoid overexertion on the base paths, aiming to safeguard the physical well-being of a player whose game is heavily reliant on speed and power.
The return of a player of Acuña Jr.’s caliber—a reigning MVP—will undoubtedly elevate the Braves’ lineup. He is expected to reclaim his role in right field, a position currently being rotated among several outfielders. His comeback would not only restore balance to Atlanta’s defense but also infuse the team with the dynamic presence of one of baseball’s most electrifying talents.
