The Atlanta Braves are taking a cautious approach with Ronald Acuña Jr.’s recovery, ensuring he is fully healthy before making his return from the injured list. Given his historic 2023 season—where he became the first player in MLB history to hit 40 home runs while stealing over 70 bases—it’s clear how valuable Acuña is to the team. That year, he also tallied 106 RBI, 149 runs, and a 1.012 OPS across 159 games, proving he was one of the most dynamic players in the game.
Unfortunately, Acuña’s 2024 campaign was cut short when he suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on May 26. This marked the second time in less than three years that he endured such an injury, as he previously tore the ACL in his right knee. Despite this setback, Acuña has been making steady progress in his rehab at Braves camp, participating in baseball activities and even showcasing his power by launching several batting-practice home runs.
Braves manager Brian Snitker recently provided an update on Acuña’s recovery during an interview with A.J. Pierzynski, Cameron Maybin, and Scott Braun from Foul Territory. According to Snitker, Acuña’s swing is already in game-ready shape, but he still needs to clear some final hurdles in terms of mobility. The primary areas of focus are his ability to maneuver in the outfield and his comfort level when rounding the bases, both of which are crucial for his all-around game.
Snitker emphasized that the team wants Acuña to be “whole” when he returns, meaning they are prioritizing his long-term health over rushing him back into action. With his past injuries in mind, the Braves are determined to handle his rehabilitation correctly to ensure that once he’s back, he can remain on the field consistently without limitations. Given his impact as an offensive powerhouse and a dynamic presence in the outfield, his return will be pivotal for Atlanta’s success.
Most projections indicate that Acuña will be ready to rejoin the lineup by mid-May. While that timeline remains subject to change based on his progress, all signs point to him being on track for a strong comeback. The Braves and their fans are eagerly anticipating the return of their superstar, but they are also well aware of the importance of patience in the recovery process. Acuña’s health is the top priority, as Atlanta aims to have him performing at his elite level for the long haul.
