According to general manager Alex Anthopoulos, Braves stars Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider, who were both lost to season-ending injuries, will not be ready for Opening Day.
https://twitter.com/JustinCToscano/status/1853917823669535104
Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his ACL toward the end of May. That typically requires an 8-12 month recovery time, but considering this is Acuña’s second torn ACL, the Braves are going to be much more cautious with the 2023 NL MVP. Even Acuña himself said he felt like he rushed back last time and will not do the same thing again, so it’s possible the Braves are without him for at least the first couple months of the season.
Spencer Strider tore his UCL in his second start of the season. That’s typically an 18-month recovery if the pitcher goes the Tommy John surgery route. However, Strider opted to go with the alternative internal brace surgery, which carries an 8-12 month recovery period. That left some hope that he could potentially be ready for the Braves on Opening Day, but again, there’s absolutely no reason to rush a player as important as Spencer Strider back. Hopefully, he’ll be ready at some point before the All-Star break.
This news, along with Joe Jimenez possibly missing all of next season, adds a lot more to Alex Anthopoulos’ plate this offseason. The need for a starting corner outfielder now feels like a must, especially since it is unknown whether Ronald Acuña Jr. will be able to play in the field, even when he does return. Another starting pitcher also becomes a much greater need. The bullpen needs multiple additions as well, and on top of that, finding a long-term replacement for Orlando Arcia should be a priority.
Alex Anthopoulos and the rest of the higher-ups in the Braves organization are going to be a busy bunch over the next few months.
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Photo: Mark Goldman/Icon Sportswire
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