The Atlanta Braves haven’t had the best start to the season as they’ve dropped nine out of their first 11 games after being considered one of the contenders in the National League.
Atlanta has dealt with inconsistent play, injuries, and an early season suspension. However, things are slowly starting to improve on the injury front. All-Star catcher Sean Murphy returned from the 10-day IL earlier this week after suffering a fractured rib in Spring Training.
Meanwhile, star pitcher Spencer Strider had a dazzling rehab start in Triple-A on Thursday afternoon, where he struck out 13 batters across 5 ⅓ innings. It’s only a matter of time before the Braves activate him off the IL.
While Braves fans are happy to see Murphy back and Strider improving, they wonder when they will see former NL MVP outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. The last update we heard about Acuña Jr. is that he reportedly would be traveling to Los Angeles to get final medical clearances from doctors to build up his running and start a rehab assignment.
That said, it appears the star-studded outfielder will indeed meet with doctors. According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, the 27-year-old Acuña will travel to Los Angeles early next week and hopes to get cleared to do all outfield activities, plus cutting, stopping, and starting.
Acuña will travel to LA early next week with the hope to be cleared to begin doing things like cutting, stopping and starting and all outfield activities.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) April 10, 2025
If you are a Braves fan, this is a big development as Acuña continues to work his way back from his second torn ACL in as many years. If he can get cleared to do those things, it’s only a matter of time before the star slugger is back on the field.
The veteran outfielder tore the ACL in his left knee last May after coming off an MVP season in 2023. In 49 games last season, Acuña slugged .250 with four home runs, 15 RBI, and 16 stolen bases.
Nonetheless, when Acuña does make his 2025 debut, it will give the Braves outfield a big boost on offense. The Braves are rolling with veteran Jarred Kelenic in right field, who is slashing .167/.265/.267 with a home run and an RBI.