It’s an exciting time for Braves country as we await the return of Ronald Acuna, who appeared for the first time in a live game earlier this week since tearing his ACL on July 10th. The numbers through two games haven’t been anything to write home about, but that’s not what’s important. He looks healthy in all three phases, which is all that matters. We’ve seen him smack a ball off the wall, play the field, and even steal a base — playing like the same man who would have run away with the NL MVP award last season had he not gone down with an injury.
I don’t imagine there will be much of a drop-off when he returns, and neither does Acuna, but that wasn’t always the case. Before his first game with the Stripers, Acuna admitted to the media that after the injury, he thought he might never be the same player again. However, he then followed it up with, “Now, I think I’m better than I was.”
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That’s a scary thought for opposing pitchers and almost wild to imagine, but at this point, I’m not putting anything past Acuna. He’s the most talented young player I’ve ever laid eyes on, and the Braves can’t wait to have him back in the lineup. There’s no reason to fret over a 6-8 start, but the Atlanta offense has been worrisome thus far and desperate for some juice. My guess is Acuna will have no problem providing that.
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Photo: Rich von Biberstein/Icon Sportswire
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