Major update emerges on Ronald Acuna Jr.’s injury status as MLB analyst reveals return timeline for Braves MVP
Ronald Acuna Jr. is one of the most exciting players in Major League Baseball. Unfortunately, fans have not been able to see him on the field since last season. The Atlanta Braves superstar has been out of action since May 26, 2024, after suffering a torn left ACL, ending his season before it could really take off.
Since that time, the former National League MVP has been busy building himself back up and making sure he’ll be ready to deliver for the Braves once he’s cleared to return. While fans are anxiously awaiting his return to action, given the amount of time Acuña has been in recovery, a lengthy rehab assignment seems likely at this point in the season.
This is something MLB analyst and former All-Star catcher A.J. Pierzynski spoke about on the latest episode of "Foul Territory." Pierzynski noted that while Acuña might not be working as a full-time outfielder yet, he has been focused on his timing and swing at the plate.
"He's already been hitting," Pierzynski said. "He might not be playing the outfield, but I know he has been hitting. I know he's taken a ton of at-bats already.
"They've already played this kind of slow, so I think they are going to continue to play this slow, and I would say at least two weeks from the time he steps foot on the field. I could be wrong but they've already slow-played this enough. What's a couple more days?"
Co-host Erik Kratz is a bit less certain. The former catcher believes Acuna will push to return once he feels healthy enough to rejoin the Braves’ lineup.
"In my opinion, expect him back in under 10 days because once he goes 9 innings on his feet and the next day he feels fine, he doesn't want to play another inning in the minor leagues," Kratz said.
The Atlanta Braves said that Ronald Acuna Jr. will begin his rehab assignment in May
While it remains to be seen how long it will take Acuña to return to the Braves, the club did announce that the ultra-talented outfielder is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment at some point in May.
According to Justin Toscano of The Atlanta Journal-Constitution, the team checked with surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who cleared Ronald Acuna Jr. for action.
The Braves have done a solid job maintaining a strong position in the standings without their best player, so the team can afford to remain patient. That said, once he returns to the lineup, Atlanta will once again be viewed as a legitimate World Series contender.