Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is set to begin his rehab assignment today, marking a significant step in his recovery from a torn ACL in his left knee sustained on May 26, 2024. He will start by playing in the outfield for the Braves’ Florida Complex League team in North Port, Florida .
The Braves are approaching his recovery cautiously, evaluating him daily to determine his readiness to advance to higher levels of play. While no specific number of games has been outlined for his rehab stint, MLB rules stipulate that position players cannot remain on a rehab assignment for more than 20 days. This means Acuña is expected to be activated by June 1 at the latest, though an earlier return is possible if he progresses without setbacks .
Before his injury, Acuña was limited to 49 games in the 2024 season, posting a .250 batting average with four home runs and 16 stolen bases . His return is highly anticipated, as he was the National League MVP in 2023, achieving a historic 40-home run and 70-stolen base season.
As Acuña progresses through his rehab, the Braves will continue to monitor his performance and health closely, aiming for a full-strength return to bolster their lineup.
Jurickson Profar, who signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Atlanta Braves in January, is currently serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for a banned substance. As a result of the suspension, he will forfeit his salary during that time and is ineligible to return until the end of June.
Profar’s absence has been a blow to the Braves’ outfield depth, which has already been tested with Ronald Acuña Jr. still working his way back from a torn ACL. With Profar sidelined and Acuña only just beginning a rehab assignment, the Braves have relied on players like Eli White, who has posted a solid .284 average with an .840 OPS in 32 games.
As of now, the Braves sit third in the National League East with a 19-21 record, trailing both the New York Mets and the Philadelphia Phillies. The outfield situation and slow start have added pressure as Atlanta works to get healthy and back on track.
