Another day, another positive development for Ronald Acuña Jr., and this one might just be the last thing the Braves need to see before recalling him to Atlanta.

After a weather delay limited the Gwinnett Stripers to just five innings last night, Acuña got the start in right field Wednesday afternoon. He came to the plate five times, going 1-for-4 with a walk, including this loud double that rocketed off the left field wall.

He’s knocking at the door, ladies and gentlemen! 👊🚪

2023 NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. (@Braves) continues his SCORCHING hot rehab assignment with the Triple-A @GoStripers. pic.twitter.com/xLuhwiglG9

— Minor League Baseball (@MiLB) May 21, 2025

Timing does not appear to be an issue for the 2023 NL MVP. He’s been toying with AAA pitching ever since his rehab assignment was transferred to Gwinnett, boasting a 1.427 OPS. Offensively, the Braves already know he’s ready to contribute, but as Alex Anthopoulos said earlier in the week, they want to ease him into things slowly, allowing him to get his legs under him.

“Most of the time when you send these position players on rehab assignments it’s about getting at-bats, getting timing,” Anthopoulos said. “He’s been playing in sim games and live batting practices since Spring Training opened. This is about just getting his legs underneath him. He’s not attempted a stolen base, and he’s not played nine innings in the field.”

Ronald Acuña Jr. had not played nine innings in the field… until today. He cleared what might be the final hurdle the Braves have laid out for him before calling him back up to the majors. It’s possible they want to see him do it in back-to-back days, but if Acuña says he’s feeling good tomorrow, there’s a chance he will make his Braves debut on Friday night at Truist Park against the Padres.

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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire