Atlanta’s star outfielder’s exact timeline to return is still unclear.
Prior to this afternoon’s contest against the Cincinnati Reds, the Atlanta Braves provided reporters with updates on the status of rehabilitating outfielder Ronald Acuña, Jr., who is still recovering from last year’s season-ending knee surgery.
The biggest news is that Acuña, Jr. will not have to return to Los Angeles to visit his surgeon Dr. Neal ElAttrache. According to multiple reports, including the AJC’s Justin Toscano, the Braves did talked with ElAttrache today and he confirmed that he did not need to see Acuña, Jr. prior to beginning a rehab assignment.
On Ronald Acuña Jr.: Braves discussed him seeing Dr. Neal ElAttrache in LA again. But the Braves talked to ElAttrache today and the doctor said he doesn’t need to see Acuña, and that a rehab assignment start date is up to the Braves. Rehab assignment will begin this month.
— Justin Toscano (@JustinCToscano) May 5, 2025
Based on the updated information – there was some conflicting reports that Acuña, Jr. would have have his knee evaluated again earlier today – it is at least plausible that the Braves could welcome back the 2023 NL MVP to their line-up before the end of this month, at least that is the speculation from Braves’ MLB.com writer Mark Bowman.
The Braves now say Acuña won’t need to return to LA. He will begin rehab games at some point this month. Late May still seems like a realistic target for his return to Atlanta’s lineup https://t.co/1uUDASAkUE
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) May 5, 2025
Although this isn’t the announcement many were hoping for – and exact date for when Acuña, Jr. would begin a minor league rehab assignment – progression is good news. While Atlanta’s struggles for offensive consistency this season could have added pressure to get Acuña, Jr. back in Atlanta as quickly as possible, the Braves continue to be deliberate in their plans for bringing their star back from his second major knee surgery this decade.