The Atlanta Braves have provided an exciting update on superstar outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr.’s rehab progression.
On Monday, ahead of the Braves’ series opener against the Cincinnati Reds, manager Brian Snitker said Acuna was going to go back to Los Angeles and meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache one more time to have his quad strength tested before being cleared to begin a rehab assignment.
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Shortly after, though, the team announced that Acuna would actually be able to bypass the visit to L.A., and will be starting a rehab assignment sometime this month.
Update on Ronald Acuña Jr. per #Braves — He will not go back to Los Angeles to see doctors again.
The team had discussed it but it was decided in consultation with Dr. Neal ElAttrache today that Acuña’s knee is good to go.
He will begin his rehab assignment this month.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) May 5, 2025
“Update on Ronald Acuña Jr. per Braves,” 92.9 The Game’s Grant McAuley wrote on X. “He will not go back to Los Angeles to see doctors again. The team had discussed it but it was decided in consultation with Dr. Neal ElAttrache today that Acuña’s knee is good to go.
“He will begin his rehab assignment this month.”
Acuna has been out since last May after suffering a torn ACL, his second at the MLB level.
Acuna suffered his first torn ACL in July 2021 in his right knee, sidelining him for the remainder of 2021 and the first month of the 2022 regular season.
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He had the best year of his career in 2023, winning the Most Valuable Player award while slashing .337/.416/.596 with 41 home runs, 106 runs batted in, 73 stolen bases and an OPS of 1.012.
Acuna then tore the ACL in his left knee in May 2024, and has been out ever since. However he’s nearing a return to action, and could potentially be back by the end of this month assuming he starts his rehab assignment soon.
The Braves have been hanging around without Acuna, as they enter Monday’s contest at 15-18, 3.5 games back of the final Wild Card spot in the National League.
After opening the season an abysmal 0-7, the Braves have somewhat righted the ship, and will get an even bigger boost when Acuna is able to return to the lineup.
In 49 games last year, Acuna hit .250 with four home runs, 15 RBIs, 16 stolen bases and an OPS of .716. Across his seven-year career, he’s hitting .289 with 165 home runs and an OPS of .904.
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