The Braves are struggling to stay afloat in absence of their two best players. Ronald Acuña Jr. is still working his way back from a second torn ACL, and Spencer Strider is dealing with a hamstring injury he suffered following his return to the mound earlier this season.
An early to mid-May return was viewed as possible not too long ago for Acuña. That’s now off the table, but it might not be too much longer before Acuña joins the Braves. Ahead of Monday night’s game against the Reds, Brian Snitker told reporters that a rehab assignment will begin this month.
Update on Ronald Acuña Jr. per #Braves — He will not go back to Los Angeles to see doctors again.
The team had discussed it but it was decided in consultation with Dr. Neal ElAttrache today that Acuña's knee is good to go.
He will begin his rehab assignment this month.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) May 5, 2025
Fans are understandably frustrated with the process, but as long as there are no concerning setbacks with Ronald Acuña Jr., it should be viewed as a win. He’s one more major injury away from being the next “what if” star athlete. The Braves are right to be cautious with him, even if they desperately need him on the field.
As far as Spencer Strider, he’s been cleared for long toss. He’s not pitching off a mound yet, but things are moving in a positive direction.
#Braves’ Spencer Strider progressed to long-toss this weekend, another key step towards his return from IL (hamstring). No timetable.
— David O'Brien (@DOBrienATL) May 5, 2025
It’s unclear if Spencer Strider will also need a rehab assignment when he’s cleared to return. I imagine a lot of it will depend on how long it takes for his hamstring to make a full recovery. As of now, both seem to be at least a couple of weeks away from returning.
—
Photo: David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire
