Braves Update: Acuña Jr. Skips LA as Knee Recovery Hits Key Milestone

The Atlanta Braves are eagerly anticipating Ronald Acuña Jr.'s comeback in 2025. The team’s key player has missed action since May 2024 because of a second ACL injury; however, his return is expected shortly.

Exactly when isn't clear yet, but the Braves are optimistic that his comeback will happen soon. Now, with regard to Acuña’s potential return from injury, fresh developments have emerged suggesting there might indeed be reason for optimism.

Braves Moving Nearer to Ronald Acuña Jr.'s Comeback

On May 2, the Braves' correspondent Mark Bowman received an update. on the Acuña front.

“The Braves haven’t set a specific timetable for Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return. But the 2023 NL MVP could return to Atlanta’s lineup by the end of May. Though possibly still a few weeks away, this provides another reason to be optimistic about where the Braves are heading.”

Then, reporter Grant McAuley gave another key update on Acuña’s status.

“ Updates on Ronald Acuña Jr. #Braves — He won’t return to Los Angeles for medical appointments anymore. Although the team deliberated on this matter, they ultimately consulted with Dr. Neal ElAttrache today and determined that Acuña’s knee is ready. He will start his rehabilitation program this month."

Some people thought that Acuña might head to Los Angeles to consult with medical professionals about his knee during a routine examination. But now, this visit isn’t going to take place, which means Acuña will not be making that journey. Therefore, Acuña should start a rehab assignment in the coming days.

Despite the excitement for Acuña’s return, McAuley told the Foul Territory crew that it’s unfair to expect Acuña to immediately produce like a star when he returns.

“You’ve gotta temper expectations At minimum, he should contribute somewhat," McAuley stated. "We can’t expect him to single-handedly rescue the season. That kind of pressure wouldn’t be reasonable.

Acuña will make the team better, there’s no doubt about that. However, the second major knee injury for the Braves star needs to be something the club is careful about this time around as well.

As of May 6, the Braves are 16-18, good for third in the National League East. While the club has made up significant ground after starting the season 0-8, there are still questions surrounding the team.

Nevertheless, the recent developments are undoubtedly good news for both Acuña and the Braves. Should everything proceed as hoped, he ought to return to the MLB squad shortly, potentially providing a much-needed boost to a struggling team in 2025.