Let’s talk about Ronald Acuña Jr. because this guy is the definition of a game-changer. According to MLB.com, he’s been turning heads at the Atlanta Braves camp as he works his way back from that brutal torn ACL he suffered last May.
And if there’s one thing we know about Acuña, it’s that he doesn’t do “half-speed.” When he’s back, he’s going all in—but the Braves are making sure that moment comes at the right time.
The Braves Are Taking No Chances
Manager Brian Snitker made it clear that this process is not rushed. “When he comes back, we want him to be able to go,” Snitker said. “We’re going to make sure he is ready to go when we do turn him loose.”
The Braves are playing the long game here, ensuring Acuña is fully ready before throwing him back into the fire. They don’t want to deal with lingering soreness or setbacks, which means patience is key.
Currently, Acuña is checking many boxes—taking on-field batting practice, throwing, running—but he hasn’t been cleared to cut yet. That’s a big hurdle in his recovery, but the good news? It sounds like we could still see him in action before the end of April.
That timeline puts him right alongside Spencer Strider, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery.
A Reminder of What Acuña Can Do
Let’s not forget who we’re talking about here. Acuña wasn’t just good in 2023—he was historically good. We’re talking about a season where he hit 41 home runs, drove in 106 runs, and swiped a jaw-dropping 73 bases. The man was a one-man wrecking crew.
His 2024 campaign was frustrating, to say the least. In 49 games before his injury, he hit just .250 with four home runs and 15 RBIs—far from his usual production. But if he can even get close to his 2023 form upon his return? The Braves instantly become a different team.
The Braves Could Be a Legitimate Threat
The Braves weren’t at full strength last season, and it showed. They finished second in the NL East and got bounced in the Wild Card round by the Padres—not the ending they envisioned.
But let’s be real, they were missing some serious firepower. Acuña was out, Spencer Strider was sidelined, and both Austin Riley and Ozzie Albies missed large chunks of time.
If this team stays healthy? They are a real threat to the Dodgers in the National League. Acuña’s return isn’t just about getting an MVP-caliber player back—it’s about reigniting an offense that can go toe-to-toe with anybody. And if he and Strider come back strong? The Braves might be the team no one wants to face in October.
