Despite an 8-7 loss to the Washington Nationals on Thursday, the Atlanta Braves had reason to celebrate. The club is set to welcome back a former MVP into the lineup.
Ronald Acuna Jr., who hasn’t played since May 26, 2024, is expected to return tomorrow. His timing couldn’t be better, as the Braves have fallen below .500 at 24-25 and have dropped three of their last four games. Atlanta enters Friday in third place in the National League East behind the Phillies and Mets.
The Braves’ official social media account broke the news Thursday night with a four-word post:
“La Bestia is BACK ”
Known as “La Bestia,” Spanish for “The Beast,” Acuna suffered a season-ending injury last year while leading off second base in a game against the Pirates. Further testing revealed a complete tear of his left ACL. He played just 49 games in the 2024 season.
Acuna, the 2023 National League MVP, is a four-time All-Star. He was named National League Rookie of the Year in 2018, has won three Silver Slugger Awards, and took home the NL Hank Aaron Award in 2023.
Through seven seasons, Acuna has a .289 career batting average with 165 home runs. During his 2023 MVP campaign, he stole 73 bases while being caught just 14 times.
The Braves have reached the postseason five times with Acuna on the roster. He’s appeared in 29 playoff games but has just three home runs to show for it.
Atlanta’s offense could use a boost. The team is hitting .246 collectively, ranks 17th in home runs with 51, and sits 20th in stolen bases with 31.
There’s more good news for Braves fans. Spencer Strider also returned this week, making his first start Tuesday after missing a month with a right hamstring strain.
