Ronald Acuña Jr. Hits Home Run in Rehab Game
Venezuelan star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has taken a significant step in his recovery by hitting a home run in his first rehab game in the Minor Leagues.
Acuña, who was the National League Most Valuable Player in 2023, had an outstanding performance this Tuesday with the Atlanta Braves affiliate in the Florida Complex League. He faced the Orioles affiliate team in North Port, where he went 1-for-3, including a home run.
Acuña’s home run came in the fifth inning, clearing the center field fence. This was his third at-bat in the game.
This game marked Acuña’s return to the field since he suffered a tear in his right knee ligament on May 26, 2024 in Pittsburgh. During the game, Acuña patrolled right field until he was substituted before the start of the seventh inning.
Ronald Acuña Jr. homered tonight in his first rehab game! 💪
The Bravos’ technical staff has announced that the plan is to gradually increase the player’s workload, similar to how it is done at the beginning of spring training. Although it has not been specified how many more games he will play before his return to the main team, it is expected that, if there are no setbacks, he will be activated no later than June 1, the deadline for his rehabilitation assignment (20 days for position players).
Acuña has been training since the spring, but he had not received authorization to perform demanding movements until being evaluated last month by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, a specialist who is overseeing his recovery.
