After Atlanta’s tough 10-inning 8-7 loss to Washington on Thursday night, Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed that Ronald Acuña Jr. will be activated off the injured list in time for the team’s series opener against San Diego on Friday.
“They checked with him before the game and decided it was better for him to rest today instead of playing in Triple-A Louisville, so he can be ready for us tomorrow,” said Snitker. “He feels ready and it will be great to get him back in the line up.”
Acuña was a healthy scratch for Gwinnett’s game on Thursday, giving him time to travel to Atlanta and prepare for Friday’s game at Truist Park.
Snitker added, “He’s been working out consistently. The knee itself is fine, it’s more about his overall body. He’s in great shape and feeling good. After last night’s game, he said his body feels great.”
Monday marks one year since Acuña tore his left ACL. He has shown great patience during this long recovery, knowing how important it is to rehab fully.
Three years ago, after tearing his right ACL, he returned in under 10 months but struggled with discomfort throughout that season. Still, he bounced back strongly to deliver a historic 40-70 season and win the 2023 National League MVP award unanimously.
While Acuña might not run quite as much as before – something common for players at 27, especially after major knee surgeries – his power and arm strength mean he can remain an elite player for years to come.
So how will Acuña’s return affect the Braves right away?
For the first time in a full year, Atlanta will have a genuine leadoff hitter. Acuña’s career numbers from the leadoff spot are impressive: a batting line of .293 average, .384 on-base percentage, and .533 slugging percentage.
Among players with at least 2,000 plate appearances in that role, he stands alone with an OBP over .380 and slugging over .530. Even lowering the bar slightly, only Mookie Betts and Charlie Blackmon come close.
Meanwhile, the Braves have hit just .237/.279/.324 from the leadoff spot without him.
Simply put, the team’s weakest spot will be filled by one of the best leadoff hitters ever. This is expected to boost the production of big names like Austin Riley, Marcell Ozuna, and Matt Olson.
“We know how electric he is,” Olson said on Thursday. “He’s MVP-calibre. Getting his energy and skill back at the top of the order will be huge for us.”
Defensively, the outfield looks strong with Eli White in left, Michael Harris II in centre, and Acuña in right.
Alex Verdugo, who filled in during Jurickson Profar’s suspension, will likely be used mainly as a left-handed pinch hitter moving forward.
With Profar’s return still some time away (and unavailable for the playoffs), the Braves have a solid outfield core ready.
As for power, expect big things. Acuña has been hitting monster home runs since spring training and added strength during rehab.
I wouldn’t be surprised if he hits 25 homers in just four months this year.
He took countless batting practice swings while recovering, and it won’t take long before he resembles the 2023 MVP version of himself at the plate.
Photo: Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
