PORT CHARLOTTE, FLORIDA – MARCH 21: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on prior to a Grapefruit League spring training game against the Tampa Bay Rays at Charlotte Sports Park on March 21, 2021 in Port Charlotte, Florida. (Photo by Michael Reaves/Getty Images)
Ronald Acuña Jr. took batting practice this week in another step in his rehab. The Braves outfielder looks to be making great progress.
Acuña Jr. suffered a complete tear of the ACL in his right knee in mid-July of last year while attempting to make a leaping catch. It cost the young outfielder the rest of his season.
Yet, Acuña Jr. appears to be close to a full recovery, as he’s posted several batting practice videos. While taking BP is far different than facing live pitching and playing in the outfield every day, it is a start.
Acuña is still taking things slow, but this is a visible improvement from where he was even at the end of 2021.
Braves: When will Ronald Acuña Jr. come back from injury?
During the World Series, Alex Bregman of the Houston Astros asked Acuña in Spanish when he was planning on coming back from injury. At that point, Acuña appeared to tell Bregman May.
Given the status of the MLB lockout, May could very well be Opening Day for all we know.
The return of Acuña would be more good news for the Braves, who assuming they can re-sign Freddie Freeman ought to have a formidable group as they chase a World Series repeat. Marcell Ozuna is also returning from suspension, which while abhorrent, is sure to improve the Braves lineup in 2022 if they keep him around.
Expect the Braves to take things slow with Acuña. The severity of his injury is obvious, and he’s the kind of player who cannot be replaced. He’s also a long-term investment at this point, as the Braves signed him to an eight-year contract back in 2019.