Atlanta Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is easily among the sport’s premier players when healthy.
The problem, as Braves fans know all too well, is the four-time All-Star often struggles to stay on the field.
A torn right ACL cut Acuña’s 2021 season short after 82 games, and he only played 119 games the following year. Another knee injury, this time a left ACL tear, ended his 2024 campaign in late May.
Braves fans hoping for an injury-free season might already be concerned. Speaking to reporters Friday, Acuña admitted he’s still not 100%.
Acuña estimated his knee is at 90-95%, though he’s several weeks away from truly testing himself in running and cutting drills.
“I feel great,” Acuña said. “When they tell me I need to be there that day, I’ll be there.”
Acuña deserves credit for his honesty. It would have been easy to claim he’s fine and won’t change anything after his second severe knee injury in four seasons.
Similarly, Acuña could have insisted he would “definitely” be in the Braves’ Opening Day lineup March 27.
Instead, Acuña acknowledged he’s still working through the recovery process. He also noted he may decrease his stolen base attempts; Acuña stole 73 bases and mashed 41 homers during his stellar 2023 NL MVP campaign.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.
Bill Streicher-Imagn Images
Acuña tallied 16 stolen bases in 49 games last year. However, he only hit .250 with four homers and 15 RBI.
“When I stay healthy, I can do everything,” Acuña declared, according to the Braves’ official website.
Acuña will not play in the Braves’ Grapefruit League games this spring. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman said the expectation is Acuña will return at some point in May.
“It’s hard,” Acuña said. “I’m working hard every day. I’m working to be ready for when they come.”
