The wait is almost over. Ronald Acuña Jr., the electric heartbeat of the Atlanta Braves offense and NL MVP is expected to make his triumphant return to Truist Park against the Padres.
After being scratched from a rehab appearance in Gwinnett, multiple reports confirm he’s in route to Atlanta. The team is ready to activate him from the injured list just in time for the pivotal weekend series.
A Long Road Back to the Braves
May 26, 2024, marked a devastating milestone—Acuña’s second ACL tear, this time in his left knee. It came nearly three years after his first when a right ACL injury cut short his 2021 season ahead of the Braves World Series run.
This time around, the organization opted for patience. There was no spring training, no rushed timeline, just a methodical recovery capped by a steady rehab assignment that included a short stint at the Braves’ complex and a promising five-game run at Triple-A Gwinnett.
While the stat line from Gwinnett—five hits and seven walks in five games—wasn’t jaw-dropping, it was enough for Atlanta to green-light the return. Acuña is expected to reclaim his familiar leadoff spot and right field assignment just in time to face a Padres team that swept the Braves to open the season.
The Outfield Shuffle Begins
Acuña’s return means change is coming to the outfield. Eli White, who has filled in admirably in right field, could shift over to left to absorb playing time from a slumping Alex Verdugo.
White’s bat has cooled from a sizzling April, but his current .269/.310/.358 line this month still outpaces Verdugo’s sluggish .257/.314/.330 mark. Verdugo has no home runs to show for 118 plate appearances.
Verdugo’s tenure in Atlanta has echoed his down year in New York. It’s likely that his everyday role shrinks further, especially with Jurickson Profar set to return in July from his PED suspension. Profar will be ineligible for the postseason, but he’s still expected to reclaim regular duties in left field.
A Braves Roster Crunch Is Coming
Acuña’s return also triggers a roster decision, and someone’s getting the axe. The Braves only need to open a single active spot. Still, several bench players—Luke Williams, Stuart Fairchild, and Orlando Arcia—are out of minor league options. They could be designated for assignment.
Meanwhile, Drake Baldwin and Michael Harris II have options, though Harris is a near-lock to stay up. It’ll be a delicate maneuver, especially as the Braves continue climbing back into postseason contention.
A Crucial Series with History
It’s no coincidence that Acuña’s return lines up with a rematch against San Diego, the team that embarrassed the Braves in a season-opening sweep.
Since that 0-7 start, Atlanta has scratched and clawed its way back to .500. And with the Padres currently riding a six-game losing streak, this weekend offers a shot at redemption and a chance to close the three-game Wild Card gap.
Acuña is back. The timing couldn’t be better. The Braves are gearing up for a summer push, and their superstar is ready to lead the charge.
