Ronald Acuña Jr. passed another test by playing on consecutive days for the first time in nearly a full calendar year.
Acuña went 0-for-2, drew two walks, scored two runs and played six innings of right field as Triple-A Gwinnett defeated Charlotte, 7-6, on Friday night at Coolray Field. The Braves still haven’t indicated when the 2023 National League MVP might be activated from the injured list. But his progress over the past few days enhances hope he could return next week.
The Braves are essentially putting Acuña through an accelerated Spring Training, as he prepares to join Atlanta’s lineup for the first time since tearing his right anterior cruciate ligament during a May 26, 2024 game in Pittsburgh.
Acuña began his Minor League rehab assignment on Wednesday with the club’s Rookie-level Florida Complex League team. He has tallied seven plate appearances while playing the outfield both of the past two nights for Gwinnett.
While a plan hasn’t been revealed, Acuña could rest on Saturday and then return to action on Sunday. With Gwinnett hitting the road for a six-game series in Louisville after Sunday’s series finale against Charlotte, the next step is unclear.
If the Braves want Acuña to continue playing rehab games in Georgia, he could do so with Double-A Columbus, which begins a homestand on Tuesday. Regardless, there’s a growing possibility Acuña will be activated during next weekend’s home series against the Padres.