Atlanta Braves superstar outfielder Ronald Acu\u00f1a 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 MCL cut Acu\u00f1a’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.<\/p>\n
Braves fans hoping for an injury-free season might already be concerned. Speaking to reporters Friday, Acu\u00f1a admitted he’s still not 100%. Acu\u00f1a estimated his knee is at 90-95%, though he’s several weeks away from truly testing himself in running and cutting drills. Ronald Acuna jr. just spoke to us for the first time since his acl surgery and he did a majority of it in English.<\/p>\n
He says he feels 90-95 % in regards to running and cutting. He says he needs to take it easy but it will be hard once I get on base.#ForTheA#bravespic.twitter.com\/L8KonJe3Pg \u2014 Alison Mastrangelo (@AlisonWSB) February 14, 2025 “I feel great,” Acu\u00f1a said. “When they tell me I need to be there that day, I’ll be there.”<\/p>\n
Acu\u00f1a 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, Acu\u00f1a could have insisted he would “definitely” be in the Braves’ Opening Day lineup March 27. Instead, Acu\u00f1a acknowledged he’s still working through the recovery process. He also noted he may decrease his stolen base attempts; Acu\u00f1a stole 73 bases and mashed 41 homers during his stellar 2023 NL MVP campaign.<\/p>\n
Acu\u00f1a 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,” Acu\u00f1a declared, according to the Braves’ official website. Acu\u00f1a will not play in the Braves’ Grapefruit League games this spring. MLB.com’s Mark Bowman said the expectation is Acu\u00f1a will return at some point in May. “It’s hard,” Acu\u00f1a said. “I’m working hard every day. I’m working to be ready for when they come.”<\/p>\n
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