Ronald Acuna Jr., Atlanta Braves. (Mandatory Credit: Jasen Vinlove-USA TODAY Sports)
Atlanta Braves fans are awaiting the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. and the superstar outfielder is only raising excitement in his first Triple-A rehab game.
Especially after a 5-7 start to the 2022 season in their World Series title defense, the Atlanta Braves are eagerly anticipating the return of superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. after the sensational young talent suffered a torn ACL in the middle of last year. And on Tuesday night, Acuña took a big step forward.
Making his first rehab start for the Gwinnett Stripers in Triple-A ball, Acuña’s first at-bat since his injury resulted in a fly-out to centerfield. He caught a bit more of the ball when he came up to the plate for the second time on the night.
Looking comfortable as ever in the box, Acuña absolutely tattooed a ball into centerfield in his second plate appearance and was just inches away from hitting a home run. Perhaps even better for Braves fans, though, they got to see him stride easily for a double and look like the knee injury is hardly affecting him.
Ronald Acuña Jr. laces near homer in second rehab at-bat for Braves in Triple-A
Though Matt Olson has gotten off to a hot start as he steps into the shoes and position of Freddie Freeman, the Braves as a whole have gotten off to a less than stellar start in the 2022 campaign.
Particularly, pitching has been an issue for Atlanta as the back-end of the rotation and the bullpen have been problems. While Acuña’s return won’t help with any of that, the truth of the matter is that it’s a lot easier to win baseball games when the offense is able to put big numbers on the scoreboard.
With the way that Olson, Ozzie Albies and several others are hitting to begin the year, the return of Acuña — especially if he’s looking like this already — could vault the Braves right back into contention.