Atlanta Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and pitcher Spencer Strider are unlikely to recover from their injuries in time for the team’s season opener in San Diego on March 27.
Acuña, the 2023 National League MVP, tore the ACL in his left knee on May 26, and the 26-year-old underwent surgery on June 6.
Strider, a right-handed pitcher who just turned 26, had surgery on April 12 to repair his pitching elbow. Previously undergoing Tommy John surgery in 2019, Strider said this recent procedure involved the use of an internal brace.
“I don’t expect either player to miss a lot of time, but we’re pretty sure opening day isn’t realistic for them,” Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos said Tuesday at the general managers’ meetings.
“By early February, once spring training starts, we’ll have a clearer idea of their timelines. For now, we’re planning as though they won’t be on the opening-day roster, and we’ll know more about their availability as the offseason progresses.”
