Baseball player Ronald Acuña Jr., who was sidelined due to a strained calf, resurfaces on the field with Braves once more.
After a brief stint on the 10-day injured list, Ronald Acuña Jr. made a triumphant return to the Atlanta Braves on July 29, 2025. This marked the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.
The Braves' manager, Brian Snitker, confirmed that Acuña had checked all the necessary boxes to return to the field, and he was eager to see the star in action once more. Acuña was placed in the starting lineup in right field, and he batted third against left-hander Joey Cantillo.
Since winning the MVP award in 2023, Acuña has only appeared in 104 games due to various injuries. However, when healthy, he has consistently proven to be a valuable asset to the Braves. In the 2025 season, he was batting an impressive .306 with 14 home runs and 26 RBIs in just 55 games before his calf injury.
Acuña's Injury History
Throughout his career, Acuña has faced several significant injuries. In 2018, as a rookie, he missed time due to a sprained left knee ligament. In 2021, he tore the ACL in his right knee, which ended his season prematurely. In 2023, he suffered another ACL tear, this time in his left knee, limiting him to 49 games. In 2025, he was diagnosed with a Grade 1 right calf strain, causing him to miss about two weeks of play from late July to mid-August.
Impact on Atlanta Braves Performance
Despite his injuries, Acuña has remained a pivotal player for the Braves when healthy. His absence consistently affects the team's lineup and overall performance. Offensively, Acuña brings significant power and batting average to the Braves' lineup. His return tends to bolster the team's morale and performance, as seen in his contributions during successful seasons.
Recent Developments
Acuña's return from his calf injury in mid-August 2025 was a positive development for the Braves, helping to stabilize their lineup and support their playoff push. In a corresponding move, catcher Sandy León was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. Acuña has already made an impact since his return, stealing 20 bases and contributing to the team's success.
The Braves' record without Acuña does not include the game on July 29, as Acuña returned that day. Despite his return, the Braves are currently 15 games under .500 overall. Acuña missed 15 games due to his injury.
[1] Braves.com [2] ESPN.com [3] MLB.com [4] Atlanta Journal-Constitution [5] Sports Illustrated
- In Toronto, sports news outlets were abuzz with Acuña's triumphant return to the Atlanta Braves on July 29, 2025, coinciding with the series opener against the Cleveland Guardians.
- Baseball aficionados, following news from MLB.com, noted the significant impact Acuña's return had on the Braves' lineup, bolstering their performance and elevating their morale.
- In light of Acuña's stellar season performance before his calf injury—batting .306 with 14 home runs and 26 RBIs in just 55 games—Sports Illustrated reported the anticipation surrounding his return to the baseball diamond in Toronto.
