Ronald Acuña Jr. is set to make his highly anticipated return to the Atlanta Braves lineup on Friday, May 23, 2025, nearly a year after tearing his left ACL during a stolen base attempt on May 26, 2024.
The 2023 National League MVP has completed an extensive rehabilitation program, including a successful rehab stint with Triple-A Gwinnett, where he went 6-for-15 with two home runs and two RBIs in six games. Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed that Acuña feels ready and will be activated for the series opener against the San Diego Padres.
This marks Acuña’s return from his second ACL injury in four years, having previously torn his right ACL in 2021. Over his career, Acuña has a .289 batting average, 165 home runs, and 196 stolen bases over 722 games, with four All-Star appearances. In 2023, he achieved a historic 40-homer, 70-stolen-base season, hitting .337 with 41 home runs, 73 steals, and leading the majors in several key offensive categories.
In preparation for his return, Acuña has made adjustments to his playing style to mitigate the risk of further injury. He has expressed a preference for stealing around 30 bases rather than attempting to steal 70, prioritizing health and longevity over aggressive base running. Acuña emphasized the importance of staying in the lineup and contributing to the team without risking another serious injury.
The Braves are optimistic that Acuña’s return will provide a significant boost to the team’s performance and morale. His presence in the lineup is expected to strengthen the Braves’ offense and contribute to their success in the upcoming games.
As Acuña steps back onto the field, fans and analysts alike are eager to see how his presence will impact the team’s dynamics and whether he can return to his MVP-caliber form. His journey serves as a testament to resilience and determination, and his return is a defining moment for both the player and the Atlanta Braves.
