After a two-week absence, National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. made his return to the Atlanta Braves’ spring training lineup. This comeback marks a significant moment for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. Acuña took on the leadoff role and served as the designated hitter against the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite going hitless in three at-bats with two strikeouts, his presence on the field is a positive sign for the Braves.
Acuña’s return was not without its concerns, as he experienced soreness in his surgically repaired right knee following a game against the Minnesota Twins. This prompted the Braves to send him to Los Angeles for evaluation by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers. Fortunately, ElAttrache only detected irritation in the meniscus of Acuña’s knee, allowing him to gradually increase his baseball activities in preparation for the season opener on March 28.
Looking Ahead
With Acuña’s return to the lineup, the Braves are focused on ensuring that he remains healthy and ready for the upcoming season. The next milestone for Acuña will be getting back to his regular position in right field to test his knee under game conditions. In the event that the Braves opt for a more cautious approach with Acuña’s recovery, they have the option of utilizing outfielder Adam Duvall, who was recently signed to provide additional support.
Acuña is coming off an exceptional season in which he achieved a rare feat of hitting 41 home runs and stealing 73 bases. This remarkable performance made him the first player in major league history to achieve a 40-70 record in a single season. As a result, he garnered his first MVP award, underscoring his undeniable talent and contribution to the Braves’ success in winning the NL East title for the sixth consecutive year.
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return to the Braves lineup is a significant development for the team as they gear up for the approaching season. While his injury raised concerns initially, the positive news from Dr. Neal ElAttrache provides hope that Acuña will be able to resume his stellar performance on the field. As the Braves move forward, they will continue to monitor Acuña’s progress and make decisions that prioritize his long-term health and well-being. By balancing caution with optimism, the Braves aim to maximize Acuña’s potential and contribute to their success in the upcoming season.
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