Ronald Acuña Jr. made a triumphant return to the Atlanta Braves on Friday night, hitting a massive 467-foot home run on the first pitch he faced. It was almost a year since the outfielder tore his left ACL, but he wasted no time in showing his power and skill back on the field. Acuña, batting leadoff as usual, took San Diego Padres’ Nick Pivetta deep into the seats in left-center, sending the crowd into a frenzy. He even added a little shuffle step during his trot around the bases, just to add some flair to his comeback.
The Braves had to make room for Acuña on the roster, designating infielder Orlando Arcia for assignment. Acuña, who started the game in right field, expressed his excitement and happiness at being back in action, admitting that he couldn’t sleep much after getting the news of his return. Manager Brian Snitker was thrilled to have Acuña back in the lineup, emphasizing the energy and excitement the star player brings to the team and the fans. Acuña, the 2023 NL MVP, had been sidelined for most of the previous season due to his knee injury but had been working hard to make his comeback a reality.
Despite a slow start to the season for the Braves, Acuña’s return was seen as a game-changer by his teammates. Third baseman Austin Riley highlighted the impact Acuña’s talent and energy can have on the team, emphasizing his ability to turn the tide of a game at any moment. Acuña’s previous MVP season showcased his incredible skills, with a .336 batting average, 41 home runs, and 106 RBIs, making him a force to be reckoned with in the league. While Arcia, the player released to make room for Acuña, had shown promise in the past, his recent struggles at the plate and on defense led to the difficult decision by the team.
Acuña’s return marks a significant moment for the Braves and their fans, injecting a new level of excitement and hope into the season. With his power at the plate and dynamic presence on the field, Acuña has the potential to lead the team to success as they work to improve their standing in the league. As Acuña settles back into his role with the Braves, all eyes will be on him to see if he can recapture the magic that made him an MVP and a fan favorite.
