First Step, First Bomb: Ronald Acuña Jr. Makes Loud Return to Game Action

2023 NL MVP homers in FCL return, set to join Triple-A Gwinnett next

It had been nearly 12 months since Ronald Acuña Jr. last stepped into a batter’s box during a live game. But on Tuesday night in North Port, Florida, the 2023 National League MVP made sure everyone remembered exactly what he’s capable of.

In his first game action since tearing his right ACL in Pittsburgh on May 26, 2024, Acuña went 1-for-3 with a thunderous home run during a rehab appearance for the Braves’ Florida Complex League team. His fifth-inning blast cleared the center-field wall with ease, a familiar sight for Braves fans who have missed his electric presence.

For Acuña, the long road back is finally nearing its destination.

From the FCL to Gwinnett — and soon, Atlanta?

Braves manager Brian Snitker confirmed after the game last night that Acuña’s next stop will be Triple-A Gwinnett, where he’ll begin playing Thursday. The Braves will monitor his progress closely, gradually ramping up his workload as he gets back into full baseball shape.

"This is a young man that hasn't played in a long time," Snitker said. "So his body has to get back into baseball shape. That doesn't happen overnight. That's a time-consuming thing."

Acuña played right field and got three plate appearances Tuesday evening before exiting prior to the seventh inning. His rehab plan will mimic the early stages of Spring Training: slow and steady. The Braves want him to be ready not just to hit, but to patrol right field for nine innings, day after day.

May 25, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. (13) prepares in the on-deck circle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

Eyes on June 1 or Sooner Return for Ronald Acuña Jr.?

The MLB has rules that limit rehab assignments for position players to 20 days, setting June 1 as the latest Acuña can return. But there’s a real possibility he beats that timeline. He’s been swinging the bat and doing controlled drills since the beginning of Spring Training. Last month, after getting cleared by Dr. Neal ElAttrache to cut while running, Acuña finally got the green light to ramp things up.

Tuesday’s homer was more than just a milestone, it was a message: Acuña’s power is intact, his confidence is high, and his return to Atlanta might be closer than expected.

If there were any questions about his timing or explosiveness, they were answered in the blink of an eye, or more accurately, the crack of a bat.

The Braves, and the baseball world are ready. Ronald Acuña Jr. is almost back.