Ronald Acuña Jr. returns with a spectacular home run
In a triumphant and emotional return, Ronald Acuña Jr. hit a 467-foot home run on his first pitch, marking his return to the Atlanta Braves after nearly a year of absence due to a left knee injury.
Acuña, who occupied his usual position as the leadoff hitter in the lineup, hit a pitch from San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta, sending the ball to the left-center field stands. His run around the bases was followed by a brief celebration.
To make room on the roster, infielder Orlando Arcia, who was an All-Star in 2023, was designated for assignment.
“I am very excited, very happy,” Acuña said through his interpreter, Franco García, adding that “I couldn’t sleep much” after finding out about his return on Thursday.
Ronald Acuña Jr.
Braves manager Brian Snitker announced Acuña’s return on Friday night, after Thursday’s 8-7 loss against the Washington Nationals. Snitker expressed his satisfaction in presenting the 2025 starting lineup, which included Acuña.
“He’s one of those players that you’re better off not going to get a beer or something, because you might miss something really great, you know? I mean, he’s that kind of force, I think, in the game. I think he’s going to energize everybody. He’s going to energize the fans. He’s going to energize his teammates.”
Brian Snitker
Acuña, the National League’s Most Valuable Player in 2023, suffered the left knee injury on May 26 and underwent surgery on June 6. The 27-year-old player participated in six games in the minor leagues as part of his rehabilitation, batting 6 for 15 with two home runs.
Last season, Acuña played in only 49 games, batting .250, with four home runs, 15 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and an OPS of .716.
This is Acuña’s second return after a serious knee injury. He suffered a tear of the anterior cruciate ligament of the right knee on July 10, 2021, and returned in April of the following year. When asked on Friday what difference there was in this rehabilitation process, he replied: “Patience. Patience, for sure. … I just think I’m in a much better place.”
Atlanta entered with a 24-25 record after a 0-7 season start.
“It’s huge,” said third baseman Austin Riley. “The talent is there. The energy he brings, having Ronald at the top of the lineup… he can change a game at any moment.”
Austin Riley
Acuña was the unanimous MVP of the National League in 2023, when he batted .336 with 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, and a 1.012 OPS, the best in the league. He also stole 73 bases that year, becoming the only player with 40 home runs and 70 steals in a season.
Arcia, 30, was a National League All-Star in 2023, when he batted .264 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. Arcia lost his starting position due to his inability to compensate at the plate, suffering a defensive decline. He batted only .194 in 31 at-bats this season.
Snitker said he expects Arcia to accept a minor league assignment if he doesn’t get another job in the majors.
“I think we all know this is a business,” Acuña said about Arcia’s cut. “I’m happy to be back, but I’m very sorry that’s the decision.”
Ronald Acuña Jr.
Nick Allen has taken over the starting shortstop position. Snitker said Luke Williams is the shortstop backup and Eli White, a part-time starter in the outfield, will get more time in the infield.
