Exciting News: Ronald Acuña Set to Return on Friday – What This Means for the Braves

Ronald Acuña Jr. is on his way back to the Atlanta Braves. After missing some games on rehab, he has been cleared to join the team in Atlanta before their matchup against the San Diego Padres. Daniel Álvarez-Montes and Francys Romero confirmed this news as Acuña transitions from Triple-A Gwinnett to the big leagues.

This moment is significant, as it comes just days shy of the one-year mark since Acuña suffered a devastating ACL tear on May 26, 2024. That injury wasn’t an isolated event; it was the second time he faced such a setback. In July 2021, Acuña also tore his ACL in his right knee, which kept him out of the Braves’ World Series run.

Last season, Acuña returned quite quickly from his first injury, making it back before the end of April 2022. He struggled afterward, batting .266, which was below his usual standards. However, he bounced back remarkably and won the NL MVP award in 2023. This year, he’s been off to a slower start, hitting .250 in 49 games.

For his second rehab process, the Braves took a more cautious approach. Acuña didn’t participate in Spring Training and spent the initial part of the season on the injured list. After starting his rehab assignment, Acuña showed promise, hitting five times and earning seven walks in just five games. The team feels confident in bringing him back to his usual leadoff spot.

While Acuña was recovering, Alex Verdugo took over the leadoff position. Unfortunately, he has struggled offensively, mirroring a disappointing performance from last season with the Yankees. His current batting average stands at .257, adding pressure on the team as they seek to improve their hitting lineup.

Acuña is expected to return to right field, where Eli White has been performing decently. White had a strong start to the season, hitting .311 in April, but his performance has dropped lately. If Acuña takes back his spot, White might shift to left field, affecting Verdugo’s position further.

As the season progresses, the Braves have rebounded from a rough 0-7 start to even their record. They’re currently vying for a Wild Card spot but face tough competition, particularly from the Padres, who swept them in the season’s opening series.

The Braves will need to make some roster decisions ahead of Acuña’s return; Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris II are the only hitters left with options. Others like Luke Williams and Orlando Arcia have not played often and could be at risk of being designated for assignment.

The return of Acuña is crucial for the Braves. As expert sports analysts have noted, his value extends beyond statistics; his presence energizes the team and its fans. With the postseason on the horizon, the Braves hope Acuña can regain his former self and lead them to success.

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