Ronald Acuña Jr. made a spectacular return to the Atlanta Braves on Friday night, smashing his first pitch 467 feet for a home run.
The 2023 NL MVP was activated off the injured list, marking his first game in nearly a year after tearing his left ACL. Batting leadoff as usual, Acuña connected on a fastball from San Diego’s right-hander Nick Pivetta, sending the ball deep into left-center field. He took a brief shuffle step while rounding the bases, soaking in the moment.
That homer was the Braves’ lone offensive highlight in their 2-1 loss.
After the game, Acuña said, “I had a feeling” about hitting a home run in his return. When asked if he meant a first-pitch homer, he replied, “Exactly how it happened… That’s the result of all the hard work I’ve put in.”
To make room for Acuña, infielder Orlando Arcia, a 2023 All-Star, was designated for assignment. Acuña started in right field, signaling his full return.
Speaking through translator Franco Garcia, Acuña expressed how “super excited” and “super happy” he was to be back and admitted he had trouble sleeping after getting the news Thursday.
Braves manager Brian Snitker had announced after their Thursday night loss that Acuña would make his season debut Friday. He added Friday that it felt great to set the 2025 lineup with Acuña back.
“He’s the kind of player who makes you stop what you’re doing because something exciting is about to happen,” Snitker said. “He’s a force on the field who’ll energize the team and the fans.”
“Did anyone really doubt he’d hit a homer on the first pitch?” Snitker joked.
Acuña suffered his knee injury last May and underwent surgery in early June. During rehab, he played six minor league games, going 6-for-15 with two homers.
Last season, he played just 49 games, hitting .250 with four home runs, 15 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and a .716 OPS.
This is Acuña’s second comeback from a serious knee injury—he tore his right ACL in 2021 but returned the following April. When asked what’s different this time, he said, “Patience. Definitely patience. I feel I’m in a much better place now.”
The Braves entered Friday’s game with a 24-25 record after a tough 0-7 start.
Third baseman Austin Riley praised Acuña’s impact: “It’s huge. The talent and energy he brings at the top of the lineup can change the game at any moment.”
Acuña was the unanimous 2023 NL MVP, slashing .336 with 41 homers, 106 RBIs, and a league-best 1.012 OPS. He also stole 73 bases, becoming the first player ever with 40 home runs and 70 steals in a season.
Meanwhile, Arcia, 30, who was an All-Star in 2023 with a .264 average, 17 homers, and 65 RBIs, lost his starting role due to declining offense and defense. This season, he’s hit just .194 in 31 at-bats.
Snitker hopes Arcia will accept a minor league assignment if no MLB team claims him.
Acuña acknowledged the tough business side of the move: “I’m happy to be back, but I’m sorry that’s the move.”
Nick Allen has stepped in as the starting shortstop, with Luke Williams as backup, and Eli White expected to get more infield time alongside his part-time outfield duties.
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