The Atlanta Braves are set to welcome superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. back to the major leagues on Friday, marking his first appearance in almost a year following a significant injury. The announcement came after the team’s loss to the Nationals, and fans are eager to see him hit the field again as the Braves host the San Diego Padres at 7:15 p.m. ET.
Acuña has been recovering from a torn ACL that he suffered in May 2022, following a similar injury in 2021. While his recovery involved a longer timeline this time around, it appears to be paying off, as he performed exceptionally well during his minor league rehab stint. In just five games with Triple-A Gwinnett, he hit .417 with two doubles, a home run, and showed strong plate discipline with seven walks.
The Braves have experienced a mixed bag of results without him, starting the season poorly but managing to regain some form recently. They posted a record of 19-12 since April 16, achieving a season-high moment when they finally climbed above .500 for the first time this year. However, losing Acuña for parts of both 2024 and 2025 has significantly impacted their standings, leaving them 7.5 games behind in the NL East.
Nevertheless, the team’s path forward looks increasingly optimistic. The Braves possess the talent to target 90 wins this season, which would likely secure them a playoff spot. Key players like Chris Sale and A.J. Smith-Shawver have been performing admirably in the rotation, and the return of Acuña could serve as a catalyst for a collective resurgence throughout the lineup. As indicated, the presence of a player of his caliber not only elevates the offensive output but also eases pressure on other batters, potentially leading to a turning point in the season.
With 113 games left to play, the Braves remain in a position to turn their fortunes around. The anticipation for Acuña’s return offers a renewed sense of hope among players and fans alike, as they look to leverage their depth and reclaim a competitive edge in the National League. The upcoming homestand against the Padres could represent a pivotal moment for the Braves as they aim to make a strong playoff push.