The Atlanta Braves took a major step toward getting their superstar back as Ronald Acuña Jr. made a loud statement in his first rehab game of 2025. Nearly a year after tearing his right ACL, the reigning 2023 NL MVP launched a home run in his third at-bat during a Florida Complex League game against the Orioles’ affiliate in North Port, Florida. He ended the night 1-for-3 with a towering shot over the center-field wall — a strong sign that his recovery is progressing well.
The moment quickly went viral after WSB-TV’s Alison Mastrangelo posted a clip, writing, “Third at bat for Ronald Acuña Jr. and he goes yard… Just look at his smile! IMO– he’s ready.”
As part of a carefully managed comeback plan, Acuña played six innings in right field before being subbed out before the seventh. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, the Braves are sticking with their day-by-day evaluation strategy. “It’ll be a day-to-day thing there too,” said manager Brian Snitker, confirming that Acuña will continue to be assessed regularly with no fixed return date.
This game marked Acuña’s first action since May 26, 2024, when he suffered the season-ending injury in Pittsburgh. With serious injuries to both knees now on his record, the Braves are understandably proceeding with caution. However, team sources indicate that if his current rehab goes smoothly, he could rejoin the big-league club by late May or early June.
Though a decrease in stolen bases is expected, Acuña’s power is clearly intact. If his rehab performance is any preview, the Braves may be reloading with one of MLB’s most explosive players just as the 2025 season begins to heat up.
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