Ronald Acuña Jr. has returned to Major League Baseball in spectacular fashion, delivering two home runs in his first two games after a year-long absence due to a torn ACL. His power surge has injected new energy into the Atlanta Braves’ clubhouse and signaled that one of the league’s most dynamic players is back—and ready to dominate.

After missing 362 days, Acuña wasted no time making an impact. On Friday, he homered on the very first pitch he saw in his return. Less than 24 hours later, he added a second long ball to his stat line, helping the Braves cruise to a 7-1 win over the San Diego Padres at Truist Park. With nine at-bats under his belt, Acuña already looks locked in.

Initially, manager Brian Snitker had been considering giving Acuña the day off Sunday—but the outfielder’s torrid start quickly changed his mind. “Swinging the bat the way he is, he’s not going to want a day,” Snitker told MLB.com. Fueled by adrenaline and a fierce competitive edge, Acuña appears determined to make up for lost time.

Acuña’s MVP form is already showing

Saturday’s home run in the sixth inning wasn’t as dramatic as his 467-foot moonshot on Friday, but it was no less encouraging. The latest blast measured 427 feet and left the bat at 111 mph—an indicator that Acuña’s power is fully intact and potentially even sharper than it was before the injury.

His teammate Matt Olson was quick to acknowledge the talent: “Sometimes, you’re just born with it, and he definitely was.” That natural ability has been on full display and hints at a return to his 2023 MVP form, when Acuña became the first player ever to hit 40+ home runs and steal 70+ bases in a season.

Acuña himself feels optimistic about his physical condition. “It’s been over a year since I’ve played three or four games in a row, but I’m feeling good,” he said. His words echo a confidence that Braves fans were hoping to hear—and now they’re seeing it reflected in the box score.

Braves: A revitalized lineup and a strengthening rotation

Beyond individual accolades, Acuña’s presence reestablishes balance at the top of Atlanta’s order. His ability to set the tone offensively gives the Braves a more complete look, one that could help them regain their status as an elite contender in the National League.

On the mound, Grant Holmes added to the optimism. The right-hander delivered seven strong innings on Saturday, allowing just one run. It was the fourth time in his last five outings that Holmes has pitched into the seventh inning, and the third consecutive start in which he’s done so. With Acuña back in form and key arms holding steady, the Braves may have found the spark they needed to power through the summer.