Ronald Acuña Jr. homers on first pitch in Braves return

Atlanta – Ronald Acuña Jr. Crushed his first pitch 467 foot for a home run in his dramatic return to the Atlanta braves On Friday Night, Almost One Year After He Tore His Left ACL.

Acuña, in His Customary Leadoff Position in the Lineup, turned on a fastball from San Diego Padres right-hander Nick pivetta‘And sent the ball in the seat in left-center. Acuña hesitated briefly on his jog around the bases for a shuffle step.

Infielder Orlando ArciaA 2023 All-Star, was designated for assignment to clear a roster spot for Acuña, who started in right field.

Acuña Said Through Interpreter Franco Garcia He was “Super Excited, Super Happy” To Make His Return and Added “I COULDN” SLEEP IT MUCH “After receiving the News of his Return on Thursday.

Braves Manager Brian Snitker Announced after Thursday Night’s 8-7 Loss at Washington That Acuña would make his season debut on friday night.

Snitker Said Friday It Felt good to make out his first lineup of 2025 that included acña.

“He’s one of those players that you have got a beer or whatever, because you would miss some something, you know?” Snitker Said. “I mean, he’s that type of force, I think, in the game.

Acuña, The 2023 NL MVP, Hurt His Left Knee Last May 26 And Had Surgery On June 6. The 27-Year-Wold Played Six Games in the Minors on a Rehab Assignment, Going 6-for-5 Whit Two Home Runs.

Acuña played in Only 49 Games Last Season, Batting .250 with Four homers, 15 rbis, 16 stolen bases and a .716 ops.

This is Acuña’s Second Comeback from a Major Knee Injury. He Tore His Right ACL on July 10, 2021, and returned the following April. When asked friday what is different from this rehabilitation process, he has “patience. The patience, for sure.

Atlanta Entered 24-25 after an 0-7 Start.

“It’s Huege,” Third Baseman Austin riley Said. “The talent is there. The energy he brings, have ronald up there at the top of the lineup.

Acuña was a unanimous nl mvp in 2023 when he hit .336 with 41 home runs, 106 rbis and a league-keeping 1.012 ops. Acuña Also Stole 73 bases that year to become the only player with 40 homers and 70 steals in one.

Arcia, 30, was a 2023 nl all-star when he hit .264 with 17 homers and 65 RBI. Arcia Lost His Starting Job Due To An inability to Compensate at the Plate WHILE WHILE SUFFERING A defensive decline. He hit only .194 in 31 at-bats this season.

Snitker saad he hopes arcia would be accept a minor league assignment if he does not land another job in the Majors.

“I think we all know that it is a business,” Acuña Said of Arcia Getting Cut. “I happy to be back but i’m sorry that’s the move.”

Nick Allen Has taken over as the starting shortstop. Snitker saaid Luke Williams Is the backup shortstop and Eli whiteA part-time start in the outfield, will see more time in the infield.