The wait is officially over if you’ve been itching for an update on Ronald Acuña Jr. The Atlanta Braves electric right fielder recently took batting practice back home in Venezuela.
The footage is a sight for sore eyes. The video, originally shared by Academia Izturis—a professional baseball academy in Venezuela—hit Instagram on Monday.
Acuña Back in Action: Batting Practice in Venezuela
By Tuesday, Major League Baseball’s official X (formerly Twitter) account had reposted it for the world to see.
And let’s be honest, seeing Acuña crush baseballs is exactly the kind of uplifting offseason news Braves fans needed as they countdown to Spring Training. The superstar has been on the mend from his second ACL tear, which sidelined him last May and cost him the rest of the 2024 season.
Ironically, this is the second time Acuña has battled an ACL injury, with the first wiping out much of his 2021 season. What is the difference this time? It’s his opposite knee, but the stakes feel just as high.
Acuña’s Impact on the Braves
For context, Acuña is no ordinary player. He’s the reigning 2023 National League MVP, a four-time All-Star, and a three-time Silver Slugger. Let’s not forget that he was also the 2018 NL Rookie of the Year.
During his MVP campaign, he made baseball history as the first player to launch 40 home runs and swipe 70 bases in a single season. Let that sink in—40 homers, 70 steals. Simply put, this guy’s a game-changer.
Across his career, Acuña has posted an impressive .289/.379/.525 slash line, clubbed 165 home runs, swiped 196 bases, and drove in 417 runs. The stats don’t lie—when healthy, he’s a force of nature.
A Cautious Road to Recovery
But here’s the thing: with his second ACL injury in the rearview mirror, there’s speculation that Acuña may tweak his playing style to preserve his health.
We might not see him flying around the basepaths with quite the same frequency, but his bat? Still pure MVP material. Even with fewer stolen bases, his power and ability to drive in runs will continue to anchor the Braves lineup.
Spring Training will offer the first real look at Acuña’s post-rehab form. He’s not expected to be ready for Opening Day, but he’ll participate in Spring Training, giving fans a preview of what’s to come.
The Braves, however, won’t be rushing him back. They’re playing the long game here, ensuring Acuña’s full recovery and long-term impact on the team.
A Positive Update For the Braves
Having him healthy last season could’ve been a game-changer, and they’re determined to avoid another year without their franchise cornerstone.
With his recovery trending in the right direction, the countdown to Ronald Acuña Jr.’s triumphant return has officially begun. Braves fans, buckle up—it’s going to be a thrilling season.
