Ronald Acuña Jr., the superstar outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, is undoubtedly one of baseball’s top players when healthy. However, as Braves fans are all too familiar with, the four-time All-Star has struggled to stay on the field. A torn right MCL cut short his 2021 season after just 82 games, and he played only 119 games the following year. A left ACL tear ended his 2024 season in late May.
Fans hoping for a full, injury-free season may already have concerns. Speaking to reporters on Friday, Acuña admitted that he’s still not at full strength. He estimated his knee is currently at 90-95%, but he’s still a few weeks away from fully testing himself with running and cutting drills.
“I feel great,” Acuña said. “When they tell me I need to be there that day, I’ll be there.” Acuña deserves credit for his honesty in admitting where he stands. It would have been easy for him to claim he’s fine and not worry about his second major knee injury in four seasons.
Similarly, he could have confidently declared he’d be ready for the Braves’ Opening Day lineup on March 27. Instead, Acuña openly acknowledged that he’s still working through the recovery process. He also mentioned he may limit his stolen base attempts this season. In his remarkable 2023 NL MVP season, Acuña stole 73 bases and hit 41 homers.
But in the 49 games he played last year, he only stole 16 bases, hitting .250 with four homers and 15 RBIs. “When I stay healthy, I can do everything,” Acuña said, according to the Braves’ official website. Acuña will not participate in the Braves’ Grapefruit League games this spring, with MLB.com’s Mark Bowman noting that the expectation is for him to return at some point in May. “It’s hard,” Acuña admitted. “I’m working hard every day. I’m working to be ready for when they come.”
