National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. made his return to the Atlanta Braves’ spring training lineup on Thursday, marking a significant moment for the team. After two weeks of being sidelined due to soreness in his surgically repaired right knee, Acuña took the field against the Tampa Bay Rays. Despite going hitless in three at-bats and recording two strikeouts, his appearance in the lineup was a positive sign for the Braves.
Medical Examination by Dr. Neal ElAttrache
Following his discomfort in the knee, the Braves decided to send Acuña to Los Angeles to be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, the head team physician for the Los Angeles Dodgers. ElAttrache, who had previously operated on Acuña’s knee after a season-ending injury in 2021, found only irritation in the meniscus. This news was a relief for Acuña and the Braves, as it allowed him to gradually increase his baseball activities in preparation for the upcoming season opener.
Acuña’s presence in the lineup on Thursday was a crucial step in ensuring that he does not miss significant time in the regular season games. The next milestone for Acuña will be to resume playing in his regular position in right field. However, the Braves are prepared to take extra precautions with Acuña’s recovery, as evidenced by their signing of outfielder Adam Duvall on the same day.
Acuña is coming off a remarkable season in which he achieved a rare feat in Major League Baseball. With 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases, he became the first player in MLB history to reach the 40-70 milestone in a single season. These outstanding performances led to Acuña being named the NL MVP for the first time in his career, further solidifying his status as a key player for the Braves.
Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return to the Atlanta Braves’ lineup is a positive development for the team as they prepare for the upcoming season. With his knee concerns behind him, Acuña can focus on regaining his form and contributing to the team’s success on the field. As he continues to progress in his recovery, all eyes will be on Acuña to see if he can replicate his extraordinary performance from the previous season.