Ronald Acuna Jr. getting closer to Atlanta Braves return

Losing Ronald Acuna Jr. was supposed to be the fatal blow for the Atlanta Braves last year. They had lost their MVP candidate, one of the best players in the game, to a torn ACL on July 10. Due to that injury, suspensions, and ineffectiveness, the Braves had to revamp their entire outfield on the fly, which proved to be the difference in winning a World Series.

The tables are turned now. The Braves have struggled in the early part of the season, Eddie Rosario has been miserable thus far, and the Mets have again jumped out to a quick start. But this time, Acuna is closing in on a return, as he will begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday should the weather permit.

Atlanta Braves could get reinforcements soon

Even if the weather co-operates, that does not mean that Acuna will be back with the Braves within a few days. Chances are, he will not return until sometime around the beginning of May, especially as he builds up to being able to play a full game and learning to trust in his ACL again.

There is, however, no denying the impact that a healthy Acuna will make upon the Braves lineup. He was one of the frontrunners for the 2021 NL MVP when he was injured last year, producing a .283/.394/.596 batting line in his 360 plate appearances, hitting 24 homers and 19 doubles while stealing 17 bases.

Acuna will also help in other ways. He will move Adam Duvall back to a corner outfield spot, which will them help strengthen the Braves bench. Rosario has an OPS+ of -45 heading into Monday’s action, while Alex Dickerson has a -46 OPS+ as the Braves’ primary designated hitter. One, or both, could find themselves at risk of losing their job unless they turn their seasons around soon.

Acuna also means hope for the Braves. They had already fallen 2.5 games behind the Mets heading into Monday, a team that has drastically improved themselves during the offseason in a quest to return to the playoffs. If the Braves are going to keep pace, they will need their superstar back and healthy as soon as possible.

Ronald Acuna Jr. is set to begin his rehab assignment on Tuesday if the weather permits. The Atlanta Braves will get reinforcements soon.