Reigning National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. is cautiously optimistic about his return to the field, targeting Opening Day as he continues his rehabilitation from a torn left ACL. The Atlanta Braves superstar, known for his electrifying play, is taking a measured approach to ensure a full recovery. Acuña told MLB.com’s Mark Bowman that he wants to be patient but the hope is that he’ll be ready for the start of the 2025 season.
“I think [I’m] going to be patient,” Acuña said through an interpreter. “We’re really going to focus on my hitting and fielding and anything I can do to help the team win. In regards to running and stealing those bases, I don’t know if I’ll be able to steal the 40 or 50 bags as easily. I think that’s still to be seen. But yeah, I just don’t know how that’s going to play out.”
Ronald Acuña Jr. Targets Opening Day After Season-Ending Injury
Acuña earned his first NL MVP Award last year. He became the first player ever to hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in the same season. It was a great performance considering he tore his ACL once before which caused him to miss the second half of the 2021 season. He will have to prove he is elite after two ACL surgeries. Acuña tore the left one while running the bases during a game on May 26 in Pittsburgh.
“I’m just going to be a little more cautious and careful with it,” Acuña said. “If the team and doctors tell me I’m ready to go and I go out there and I don’t feel good, or something’s bothering me, then I will say something.”
Atlanta had to survive the season without Acuña and right-hander Spencer Strider. Last year’s strikeout leader underwent surgery to repair the damaged UCL in his right elbow. Despite those injuries and to other players, the Braves sit a game behind the New York Mets and a half-game behind the Arizona Diamondbacks for the NL’s final two Wild Card spots.
Main Photo: © Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
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