Ronald Acuna Jr. exactly what Atlanta Braves need right now
The Atlanta Braves have been scuffling to begin the 2022 season. They enter Thursday in fourth place in the NL East with a disappointing 8-11 record, not the way that the Braves wanted to begin their championship defense. While there has been plenty of blame to go around, the Braves outfield has been particularly dreadful in the early going.
Help is on the way. The Braves announced that they activated Ronald Acuna Jr. on Thursday, getting him back sooner than anyone had anticipated. To make room, Alex Dickerson was designated for assignment.
Ronald Acuna Jr. should provide major boost for Atlanta Braves
Dickerson did not seem long for the Braves even if Acuna had not been activated yet. He had just four hits, albeit with a homer, in 36 plate appearances; his OPS+ of 16 just not good enough for a team looking to win. However, he was not the only disappointment in the outfield, as Adam Duvall (46 OPS+) and the injured Eddie Rosario (-25 OPS+) have hardly covered themselves in glory thus far.
Although the Braves had been targeting May 6 for his return to the majors, it is clear that Acuna is ready. He had been excellent in his rehab assignment at Triple-A, posting a .368/.520/.421 batting line in his 25 plate appearances, hitting a double and a homer while stealing three bases. Although the Braves were initially concerned about how active he had been, it also showed that he was healthy and ready to contribute.
He had been well on his way to an MVP caliber season in 2021 prior to his injury. Acuna had posted a .283/.394/.596 batting line in his 360 plate appearances, hitting 24 homers and stealing 17 bases. He appeared en route to his second 30-30 season in four years until disaster struck.
The Braves clearly cannot expect that he will be that player immediately upon his return. It is, however, fair to imagine that he will be an immediate upgrade over what the Braves have had in the lineup thus far. Even if it takes a few days or weeks, Acuna will be the dynamic force he had been atop the lineup soon enough.
Next. Julio Teheran finds a home. dark
The Atlanta Braves are getting a major boost to their lineup. Ronald Acuna Jr. is back and ready to help jumpstart the lineup with his presence.