Atlanta Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos has put any speculation to rest regarding Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return. The reigning National League MVP will step back into his usual right-field position once he’s fully recovered. There are no plans to ease him in as a designated hitter, and the team is prioritizing a full-strength comeback over a rushed return.
No Plans to Ease Acuña in as DH
Acuña’s return will mirror his previous comeback from an ACL injury in 2022, according to Anthopoulos. That season, he played 119 games—92 in the outfield and 27 as a designated hitter. This time around, the Braves aren’t even considering a DH role to begin with.
“We just want to make sure when Ronald Acuña Jr. is back, that he is going to be elite,” Anthopoulos told MLB Network Radio.
With Marcell Ozuna locked in as the team’s designated hitter, there’s no need to shuffle positions. The Braves never tested Ozuna in the outfield last season, even when depth was thin. Instead, they relied on Jorge Soler in critical moments.
The Importance of a Full Recovery
The Braves are taking a patient approach with Acuña’s recovery, ensuring he returns at peak condition rather than rushing back prematurely. His previous post-injury season in 2022 was solid but not at his usual standard. He hit .266 with 15 home runs, 51 RBIs, and 29 stolen bases. The following year, fully healthy, he dominated the league and took home MVP honors.
“We don’t want to put him in a situation where he’s not at 100%,” Anthopoulos emphasized. “We learned from the last time.”
Having more time to recover should allow Acuña to return closer to his 2023 form rather than needing a year to fully regain his explosiveness. The Braves are committed to a strategy that prioritizes long-term performance over a quick fix.
Spring Training Still in the Cards
Despite the cautious approach, Acuña is still on track to participate in Spring Training. This allows him to ramp up gradually rather than being thrust directly into regular-season action.
Acuña isn’t the only Brave on a measured recovery timeline. Pitcher Spencer Strider is following a similar process, ensuring he’s in top form before taking the mound again. The Braves appear committed to ensuring their stars are fully prepared rather than taking unnecessary risks.
The Bigger Picture for Atlanta
Acuña’s return is critical for Atlanta’s championship aspirations. The Braves boast one of the most formidable lineups in baseball, and getting their superstar back at full capacity is a priority.
- The team expects Acuña to reclaim his spot in right field without restrictions.
- A patient approach is being taken to ensure his explosiveness remains intact.
- Spring Training participation remains on schedule, though regular-season readiness is still a decision pending further progress.
The Braves are setting themselves up for success by ensuring their MVP is truly ready when he steps back onto the field. If Acuña returns at full strength, the rest of the league should take notice.
