Ronald Acuna Jr. returns to Braves in massive lift nearly one year after crushing ACL tear
Share this @internewscast.com

The Braves are receiving an MVP-sized jolt in hopes of finally performing up to expectations.

The Atlanta Braves are reactivating former NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. for Friday night’s home game against the Padres, marking his return after missing the majority of the 2024 season due to an ACL tear.

His return comes two days before the one-year anniversary of him tearing his ACL against the Pirates last year.

“Tonight: RONALD RETURNS!” the Braves tweeted Friday morning above a highlight clip.

The Braves (24-25) have been one of the most underwhelming teams in baseball during roughly the first third of the season, failing to resemble the contender they were anticipated to be.

Inserting Acuna back into the lineup should provide a massive lift considering he’s one of the game’s best players when healthy.

In 2023, Acuna, 27, achieved MVP status by becoming the first player in MLB history to hit at least 40 home runs and record at least 70 stolen bases in a season.

He tallied 41 home runs and 73 steals while slashing .337/.416/.596 with a career-high 1.012 OPS.

The 2024 campaign started slow for Acuna, with just a .716 OPS, before he tore his ACL last year while on the bases against the Pirates.

He stopped while attempting to bluff a steal of third before crumpling to the ground with the injury.

Acuna previously tore his right ACL during the 2021 season.

The outfielder underwent surgery on June 6, and the Braves reached the playoffs without him, though they could not win the NL East for the seventh straight season.

The Padres then quickly dumped them in the playoffs with a two-game sweep.

The Braves’ offense has been unspectacular this year without Acuna, ranking 17th in runs scored, 14th in slugging percentage and 13th in OPS.

Acuna hit .400 spanning six games and 15 at-bats in the minors before the team cleared him to return, adding two homers in that stretch.

Atlanta sits in third place in the NL East, 7 1/2 games behind the division-leading Phillies and five games behind the Mets.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Jacksonville police seek out other potential victims after rapist sentenced to prison

Jacksonville Police Urge Potential Victims to Come Forward Following Rapist’s Sentencing

In a chilling case that has come to light nearly four years…
US Customs and Border Protection Officer Luis Uribe ordered detained for sexual assault, robbery crimes in Schaumburg, Naperville

US Customs Officer Luis Uribe Arrested: Facing Serious Charges of Sexual Assault and Robbery in Illinois

A U.S. Customs and Border Protection officer, accused of sexually assaulting and…
Giroir: RFK Jr. Needs to 'Unconditionally' Advocate for Measles Vaccine, Lack of Vaccination Causing Deaths, Outbreak

RFK Jr. Must Fully Support Measles Vaccination to Prevent Deadly Outbreaks, Urges Giroir

During Monday’s episode of NewsNation’s “The Hill,” former Assistant Secretary of Health…
Australian police say Bondi Beach mass shooting was inspired by Islamic State group

Australian Authorities Link Bondi Beach Shooting to Islamic State Influence

MELBOURNE, Australia — In a tragic incident that has left the nation…
SOUTHCOM says 8 narco-terrorists killed in latest Eastern Pacific lethal kinetic strikes

SOUTHCOM Confirms Eight Narco-Terrorists Eliminated in Eastern Pacific Operations

On Monday, the United States Southern Command revealed that U.S. forces had…
Pope Leo XIV condemns 'antisemitic violence' after massacre in Sydney: 'We must eliminate hatred'

Pope Leo XIV Denounces Sydney Massacre: A Call to Eradicate Antisemitic Violence and Hatred

Pope Leo XIV issued a strong condemnation on Monday against “antisemitic violence”…
Struggling to pay Cook County property tax bill, some homeowners fighting Cook County assessor

Cook County Homeowners Challenge Property Tax Assessments Amid Rising Financial Strain

CHICAGO (WLS) — As the deadline for Cook County property tax payments…
4 charged with plotting New Year's Eve attacks in Southern California, prosecutors say

Foiled Plot: Four Individuals Charged in Planned New Year’s Eve Attacks in Southern California

LOS ANGELES — In a significant development, federal authorities revealed on Monday…
7 dead after small plane crashes near Toluca International Airport while attempting emergency landing

Tragic Plane Crash Near Toluca Airport Claims 7 Lives During Emergency Landing Attempt

In a tragic incident on Monday, a small aircraft attempting an emergency…
NY gives final approval to three NYC casinos, but with a warning

New York Greenlights Three NYC Casinos with Cautionary Measures in Place

New York City is set to welcome three new casinos in its…
At least 10 dead after mass shooting during Hanukkah event on Australia's Bondi Beach

Revealed: Months-Long Intelligence Alert on Iranian-Linked Terror Threats Prior to Bondi Incident

Senior Israeli intelligence officials have disclosed that Australia received warnings months in…
Australian immigrant who tackled gunman 'riddled with bullets,' but 'said he’d do it again,' lawyer says

Heroic Aussie Immigrant Bravely Tackles Gunman Despite Bullet Wounds: Lawyer Shares His Unyielding Courage

An Australian immigrant named Ahmed al Ahmed, who bravely disarmed one of…