The Atlanta Braves are clawing their way back to relevance, sitting at 24-24 after shaking off an early-season slump that had fans sweating. They’ve hit neutral, but in a stacked National League, neutral doesn’t cut it if you’re gunning for a playoff spot in 2025. With plenty of games left and a roster brimming with talent, the Braves are primed for a breakout—if they can find that extra gear. And who better to spark it than Ronald Acuña Jr., the 2023 NL MVP, who’s on the verge of returning from the injured list?
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Acuña is expected to be activated for Atlanta’s weekend series against the San Diego Padres, kicking off Friday night at Truist Park. It’ll be his first big-league action since tearing his left ACL last May—a brutal injury for a guy who’s already battled back from a right ACL tear in 2021. But if his rehab stint with Triple-A Gwinnett is any indication, Acuña’s ready to roll. In six games, he smashed two homers, hit .400, posted a .591 on-base percentage, and slugged .933. Those are video-game numbers, and when he was scratched from Gwinnett’s lineup against the Louisville Bats on Thursday, it was a clear sign he’s headed back to the bigs. Manager Brian Snitker’s lineup could use that kind of firepower.
Let’s talk about what Acuña brings to the table, because this isn’t just any player coming back—it’s a guy who made history. In 2023, he became the first player ever to notch 40 homers and 70 stolen bases in a single season, a campaign that earned him the NL MVP. At his best, Acuña’s a human highlight reel—blazing speed, jaw-dropping power, and a knack for igniting the whole lineup. Now, Braves fans, don’t expect him to walk out of the trainer’s room and drop 40-70 again right away. Coming off a second major knee injury at 27, it might take time to shake the rust. But when he’s locked in, Acuña’s the kind of player who can turn a good team into a great one.
The Braves’ offense isn’t exactly starving without him, though. Marcell Ozuna’s been a beast, carrying the load with nine homers and an .877 OPS through 45 games. Matt Olson’s on a tear, Austin Riley’s holding it down, and rookie catcher Drake Baldwin’s been a revelation, hitting .345 with five dingers in 87 at-bats. That’s a solid core, but Acuña’s return could elevate this group to elite status. If Baldwin keeps raking and Acuña slots in as the dynamic leadoff man, this lineup might start scaring pitchers across the NL.
The road ahead won’t be easy. The NL is a gauntlet, with teams like the Phillies, Dodgers, and Padres—the Braves’ weekend opponent—loaded with talent. Atlanta’s got the pieces to compete, but they’ll need Acuña to be a catalyst, not just a contributor. His return Friday night in front of a fired-up Truist Park crowd could be the jolt this team needs to push past .500 for good. If he’s anything close to his MVP self, the Braves might not just sneak into the playoffs—they could make some serious noise. Buckle up, Atlanta—this season’s about to get a whole lot more exciting.
