Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is on track to return from the injured list as early as Friday when the team opens a three-game series against the Baltimore Orioles, according to manager Walt Weiss.
Acuña is expected to play one more rehab game Thursday with Triple-A Gwinnett as the Braves focus on getting him enough at-bats before bringing him back to the major league roster.
“We’re just trying to get him more plate appearances so his timing is where it needs to be,” Weiss said after Atlanta’s 6-5 victory over the San Diego Padres. “There’s definitely a possibility he’ll join us in Baltimore.”
The 2023 National League MVP has been sidelined since June 9 with a left hamstring strain, marking his second stint on the injured list this season after missing 15 games in May with the same issue.
Weiss emphasized that Acuña’s activation depends on how comfortable he feels at the plate after Thursday’s rehab game.
“It’s about his timing and making sure he’s confident,” Weiss said. “Hopefully he has a good night offensively and feels ready.”
During his rehab assignment, Acuña has appeared in seven minor league games, including four with Triple-A Gwinnett. On Wednesday, he went 2-for-5 with two runs scored and a stolen base while serving as the designated hitter, showing no visible limitations on the bases.
According to Weiss, Acuña has fully recovered physically, and the remaining focus is ensuring he’s ready to make an immediate impact upon his return.
Before the injury, Acuña was batting .251 with a .373 on-base percentage, 15 stolen bases, and a .793 OPS in 53 games. His importance to Atlanta has been evident all season, as the Braves have gone 37-16 with him in the lineup compared to 23-26 in games he has missed.
