Atlanta Braves fans have every reason for excitement with Ronald Acuña Jr. finally starting a rehab assignment. The 2023 MVP missed the bulk of the 2024 season after suffering the second serious knee injury of his career. The Braves are going to be understandably careful easing the outfielder back into the team's plans.
Even when the outfielder is ready to join the active roster, fans should expect consistent rest as the Braves attempt to ease the outfielder's load. It is an interesting situation made all the more entertaining by the recent drama stirred up by Acuña's poor decision to post a completely true take on Jarred Kelenic's lack of hustle. Watching how Brian Snitker navigates this as Acuña returns is an undeniable subplot of the story.
Ronald Acuña Jr. is Expected to Breathe Life Back into Atlanta's Season
While the expectations for the former MVP's return remain high, it does mean the Atlanta outfield must shift. Looking at the current alignment, there are two options for demotion upon the outfielder's return. Either Alex Verdugo or Eli White is going to be asked to take a back seat to the far more impactful Acuña.
If we're going off career, it will be White who is pushed into a lesser role, with Verdugo maintaining his starting role. It is also worth noting Verdugo has been trusted at the top of the lineup and is coming off an impressive game-winner to give Atlanta yet another chance to achieve .500.
Based on how Brian Snitker has managed the 2025 season, it will be Eli White who finds himself demoted into a bench role. It is difficult with White and Verdugo both carrying more offensive value than Michael Harris has throughout the early weeks of the season. Still, you cannot take Harris out of the lineup, understanding both the value of his glove and potential ceiling.
White's hot start hasn't been trusted by Snitker, with the manager pulling the outfielder in multiple spots and continuing to put his bat at the bottom of the lineup. This is as telling as anything about where White stands and what the 2023 MVP's exciting return means for an important piece in Atlanta's lineup.