Ronald Acuña Jr. Cleared to Ramp Up Baseball Activity

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

The Braves got a much-needed dose of good news, as Ronald Acuña Jr. has officially been cleared to ramp up baseball activity. While there’s still no set timetable for his return, everything seems to be moving along on schedule. As we expected, it’s looking more and more like Acuña is on track to return at some point next month.

After tearing his left ACL last May and undergoing surgery in early June, Acuña has spent the last several months working through rehab. He’s been hitting, doing straight-line running, and underwent evaluations out in Los Angeles to determine if he’s ready to start the next phase of recovery. That next step includes things like change-of-direction drills and eventually defensive work and base running.

The Braves are being careful with him, and rightfully so. This is his second major knee injury, but if anyone knows how to come back stronger, it’s Acuña. He already proved that once with his MVP season in 2023, 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases, a season Braves fans won’t forget any time soon.

He’s not ready for a rehab assignment just yet, but the signs are all positive. As long as he keeps progressing without setbacks, we should be seeing No. 13 back in the Braves lineup before too long.