Ronald Acuña Jr. didn’t just launch a towering home run Wednesday afternoon—he reminded the league why he remains one of its most dangerous hitters. His two-run blast, traveling a Statcast-projected 416 feet, highlighted a three-hit day and continued his red-hot streak since returning from a season-ending ACL tear in 2024. And if his performance left any doubt, Braves manager Brian Snitker made his stance crystal clear.
The four-time All-Star has looked every bit the game-changer Atlanta need, batting .583 (7-for-12) with two home runs and four RBIs in the series win over the Milwaukee Brewers.
“I’m really liking penciling that name in the top of the order, I know that,” Snitker said, according to MLB.com, reflecting on Acuña’s immediate impact since rejoining the lineup.
In 18 games since returning, Acuña is slashing .353/.436/.647 with six homers and a 199 wRC+ in only 78 plate appearances. “He’s having really good at-bats and [making] great decisions,” Snitker added. “When a guy like that gets going, you just kind of wait for him to start carrying you.”
Acuña’s dominance has Braves hoping for turnaround
Despite Acuña’s scorching production, the Braves are 5-13 since his return, a fact not lost on the team. Still, his presence at the top of the order brings energy and fearlessness. “It feels great to just be able to regain the form and the ability to play at the level that I know that I can,” Acuña said through interpreter Franco Garcia. “I’m really happy.”
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Snitker credited Acuña’s strong return to live reps during Spring Training and his rehab stint. The manager pointed to the quality of Acuña’s at-bats and his ability to adjust quickly, characteristics that could soon lift the club from its current slide.
Even on a day when Spencer Schwellenbach delivered a complete-game gem with nine strikeouts and no walks, Snitker centered much of his postgame praise on Acuña’s presence. “I love where he’s at right now,” he said. “He’s looking like himself again.”
Braves look to build around Acuña’s momentum
While the team has struggled to stack wins, Acuña’s consistency offers a foundation to rally around. Atlanta returns home with renewed urgency, looking to capitalize on its MVP’s momentum. For Snitker, that means continuing to trust in his star.
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As the MLB season heats up, all eyes will remain on Acuña—not only for his production, but for how far he can carry a team that still believes in its postseason potential.
