© Brett Davis-USA TODAY Sports
LOS ANGELES – Reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. has been battling injuries his entire professional career.
His 2021 was derailed by a torn ACL, a season where he was likely en route to an MVP-caliber season. Fast forward two seasons and Acuna had a historic 2023–accumulating a 40-70 season while leading all of baseball in runs, hits, stolen bases, on-base percentage, and total bases with 420 first-place MVP votes.
While his production is fabulous, Acuna’s health remains a concern. The superstar outfielder was scratched from the Braves lineup for Friday’s spring training game, which at the time the team called a precautionary measure. But that outlook changed after an MRI was done later in the day.
Acuna then flew out to see Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles on Monday while the Braves entire fanbase held their breath. But they can now exhale.
The team announced on Tuesday that their superstar outfielder is expected to be ready for the team’s Opening Day game against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 28.
“OF Ronald Acuña Jr. was seen by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles last night, who confirmed irritation in the meniscus of his right knee,” the Braves posted on “X.” “Acuña Jr. is set to gradually increase baseball activities and is expected to be ready for Opening Day.”
Health and luck have not mixed for Acuna in his young career for the most part, but this is an encouraging sign for the Braves–Atlanta is looking to avenge their 2023 after 104 wins but an early exit in the playoffs.
