The Atlanta Braves received a significant boost on Monday by activating superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. from the 10-day injured list ahead of their series opener against the New York Mets.
Acuña had been sidelined since June 9 with a recurring left hamstring strain, marking his second stint on the injured list this season.
To make room on the active roster, Atlanta optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A Gwinnett.
Acuña returns looking to help fuel the Braves’ offense during the stretch run. Before his injury, the 2023 National League MVP was batting .251 with seven home runs, 22 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in 53 games.
While those numbers are below his usual standards, Atlanta believes a healthy Acuña can once again provide the spark at the top of the lineup that has made him one of baseball’s most dynamic players.
The Braves carefully managed Acuña’s recovery, sending him on a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett before clearing him to return.
Manager Walt Weiss indicated the club’s priority was ensuring the five-time All-Star was fully healthy rather than rushing him back, and Acuña is expected to resume his everyday role in right field while potentially receiving occasional starts at designated hitter to reduce stress on his hamstring.
Atlanta hopes Acuña’s return will strengthen a club that has regained momentum after a difficult stretch earlier this summer.
The Braves have played much better since the All-Star break and now welcome back one of the game’s premier talents as they continue their push for another National League East title and prepare for the upcoming trade deadline.
