Ronald Acuña Jr. takes key step toward Braves return after year-long injury

The Atlanta Braves may finally be turning a corner in their injury-plagued season, as Ronald Acuña Jr. officially began his rehab assignment Tuesday with the FCL Braves, signaling a key step in his recovery from ACL surgery.

The 2023 National League MVP has been sidelined since tearing his right ACL during a May 2024 contest against the Pittsburgh Pirates. It was the second major knee injury of his career and has forced Atlanta to recalibrate its lineup and approach ever since.

Without their electrifying leadoff hitter and defensive cornerstone, the Braves have struggled to maintain consistency, entering Tuesday’s game with a 20–21 record and lingering 6.5 games behind in the NL East standings.

Braves hope Acuña’s return

Acuña had been ramping up baseball activities during Spring Training, gradually increasing his workload under the supervision of team trainers. Now, with his official rehab stint underway, optimism is cautiously rising around the Braves clubhouse.

Ronald Acuña Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves walks off the field with trainers on May 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images)

“He’s starting his march back,” manager Brian Snitker told Peachtree TV. “It will be good to just get him running around in the outfield again and getting him at-bats.”

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Acuña, a four-time All-Star and the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year, was a driving force behind Atlanta’s offensive surge before his injury. His presence at the top of the order brings not only power and speed, but also swagger and leadership that’s been missed throughout the early months of the season.

The Braves have remained competitive despite the setbacks, winning six of their last 10 games. However, they continue to navigate without other key contributors, including Spencer Strider, who remains sidelined with a hamstring injury but has begun throwing in simulated games.

Acuña and Strider could reinforce playoff push

With both Acuña and Strider working their way back to game shape, the Braves are hoping to regain full strength in time for the heart of the summer schedule. The franchise is chasing its eighth straight postseason appearance, following a 2021 campaign that ended in a World Series championship.

Strider, who has emerged as one of baseball’s most dominant arms, believes he’s nearing a return as well. “I feel good about my chances to give us a chance to win if I’m out there,” he told MLB.com on Sunday. “But it’s not up to me.”