One of MLB’s most exciting young players is about to return.
No, it won’t be today, but it will be soon: very soon.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. will start a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett tonight.
“It’s official: Ronald Acuña Jr. begins minor league rehabilitation assignment tonight at Triple-A Gwinnett. He hasn’t played in @MLB since suffering a torn right ACL last July 10. @MLBNetwork,” reporter Jon Morosi tweeted on Tuesday.
It’s official: Ronald Acuña Jr. begins minor league rehabilitation assignment tonight at Triple-A Gwinnett. He hasn’t played in @MLB since suffering a torn right ACL last July 10. @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) April 19, 2022
Acuna’s rehab assignment shouldn’t be terribly long, but he is expected to need at least a couple of games, if not more, to get his swing and timing back.
As a reminder, the dynamic talent suffered a torn ACL last July while making a play in the outfield, missing the rest of the season and the Braves’ postseason run.
The Braves were able to win the World Series title anyway, but they know that if they want to repeat, they will need their best player at 100 percent.
Acuna Will Be The Braves’ Best Player Again Upon Returning
Freddie Freeman isn’t on the roster anymore, so Acuna is expected to carry the team offensively and defensively, too.
He has progressed nicely over the last couple of months after a long rehab process.
The team is targeting the first week of May as his potential season debut.
Acuna is awfully close to returning, and fans can’t wait.
He was on his way to a historic season last year before going down.
He was slashing .283/.394/.596 with 24 home runs and 17 stolen bases in 82 games and 360 plate appearances.
Had he been healthy for the whole season, he may have had a shot at the famous 40-40.
He probably won’t be running as much during his first year coming off ACL surgery, but the Braves will very much welcome his potent bat back.
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