This past weekend brought an exciting Ronald Acuña Jr. injury update with the Atlanta Braves star getting closer to a return. Acuña has resumed running in what seemed to be a promising update.
The Braves have been without both the 2023 MVP and star infielder Austin Riley for the last two weeks. It has been the cherry on top of what has been an incredibly difficult 2025 season.
Getting news of Acuña's pending return is exciting, even if it could be viewed as ill-advised. This is where things become complicated for Atlanta's front office and manager Brian Snitker. Winning is still the goal, but in reality, it doesn't matter what happens the rest of the way. In a lost season, the record isn't going to be remembered or cared about.
The Braves are a bad team that isn't going to finish the season as anything other than a rebuilding afterthought in the league. With this in mind, there is no reason to bring back key players if there is any level of risk in a return. This is especially the case with the face of your franchise and one of the league's most talented players.
The Braves Should be Hesitant to Activate Ronald Acuña Jr.
To call Acuña a difference maker is a vast understatement; when the star is in the lineup, you always feel you have a chance to watch something special happen. This is the exact reason why returning to the lineup or holding the star out can be argued easily. Acuña's return would help the Braves build a bit of confidence
It would help keep fans engaged a bit more, giving a player who already missed most of two seasons a chance to continue to build career numbers. These are factors that can't be ignored when weighing the star's future.
However, the flip side of this is considering what it means for 2026 if the star is put on the field and suffers another injury. Next season would be over long before it began and the decision makers in Atlanta would be under even more scrutiny than they are currently. All of this leaves every reason to bench the star or at least use him sparingly.
How the Braves choose to end the season with Acuña and Chris Sale both nearing potential returns will be fascinating to watch. Neither decision is perfect and will leave a portion of Atlanta fans in a familiar position of frustration.