Ronald Acuna Jr. to Return from Knee Injury for Braves vs. Padres Series

Ronald Acuña Jr. will make his return to the field on Friday after nearly a full year off the field, the Atlanta Braves announced Thursday night.

The news comes after multiple reports indicated he was expected to be activated from the injured list on Friday for the team's series against the San Diego Padres.

David O'Brien of The Athletic noted that Acuña was scratched from the lineup for Triple-A Gwinnett on Thursday, indicating his impending return.

Acuña suffered a torn ACL in his left knee on May 26 last season when he made an awkward move attempting to bluff a steal of third base. Acuña also tore his right ACL in 2021, costing him much of the 2021 and 2022 seasons.

In 49 games a year ago, Acuña had four home runs, 15 RBI and a .250 batting average.

In his last healthy season in 2023, Acuña hit 41 home runs, 106 RBI, 73 stolen bases and a .337 batting average, enough to win him his first NL MVP. As he returns to the diamond this week, the Braves will look to get that version of him.

Acuña said in February that he was "90-95 percent" recovered from the ACL surgery and reached a major milestone earlier this month when he began playing for the Braves’ Florida Complex League team. A few days later, he made his first appearance for Triple-A Gwinnett.

Acuña's return comes at a good time as the Braves look to get things going after a mediocre start to the year. Atlanta is currently in third place in the NL East and three games behind the wild card at 24-24 on the season.

Acuña has the chance to come back strong as the Braves take on one of the top teams in the majors in front of a home crowd.