"Like the Phoenix" - Braves fans excited as Ronald Acuna Jr.'s injury rehab fuels hope for 50-50 season & MVP crown in 2025
After being crowned the 2023 NL MVP, Ronald Acuna Jr. began the 2024 season slowly. In the month of April 2024, Acuna hit only .235, hitting a single home run and five RBIs, a ways away from his own lofty standards. However, it was universally expected that the reigning MVP would soon get back on track.
It did appear that was going to be the case, as Ronald fared better in May, hitting .256, with three home runs and nine RBIs. Unfortunately for the Braves and Acuna Jr., the Venezuelan's season was prematurely ended on May 27, as the outfielder tore his left ACL in a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates.
On Friday, Elite OrthoSport, a physiotherapy organization in California, posted a video to their Instagram page, showing the Braves star putting in the hard yards to come back fit and firing in the 2025 season.
Several fans commented on the post, spurring Ronald Acuna Jr. on in his journey back to fitness.
"Like the phoenix 🐦🔥🔥" a fan commented in Spanish.
"Happened before and he came back to win MVP, I know he can do it again💯" a fan wrote.
"Coming back stronger in 2025! Keep grinding #13! ❤️🙏⚾ another fan commented.
"The beast😢 future 50/50 with god" another fan commented in Spanish.
Ronald Acuna Jr. says he's "extremely proud" of little brother Luisangel Acuna after big league debut
It appears that the latest basbeall star with Acuna at the end of his name has arrived, as Atlanta Braves' superstar Ronald Acuna Jr.'s younger brother Luisangel made his debut for the Mets on September 14. The 22-year-old played in place of shortstop Francisco Lindor, who was given a day off due to back injury.
Shortly after, in a game against the Washington Nationals on September 17, Luisangel Acuna hit his first ever home run as the Mets romped to a comfortable victory.
In the plate appearances he's accumulated since his debut, the youngster has an impressive .308 batting average.
Speaking to the press about the feeling of seeing his younger brother playing in the major leagues, Ronald said:
"I'm extremely proud of my brother. Just to be able to see him in the big leagues, it's a dream come true for me and our whole family." Ronald Acuna Jr. said via a translator.
Their respecitve sides also faced off in a key double header to end the regular season, with a place in the playoffs on the line. Eventually, they arrived at perhaps the 'ideal' solution for both sides, as they split the series, effectively ensuring both the Mets and the Braves made it through.
The Braves eventually were eliminated by the San Diego Padres, while the Mets won a thrilling wildcard series against the Brewers and now go on to the NLDS against the Philadelphia Phillies.