While Freddie Freeman and Matt Olson controlled most of the news about the Atlanta Braves on Monday, Ronald Acuna Jr. was making waves as well.
It’s still amazing to think the Atlanta Braves won a World Seris last year without Ronald Acuna Jr., who seems as hungry as ever to have a big season and make his own stamp on a World Series run in Atlanta.
After a devastating injury ended his 2021 season where he was on his way to winning an NL MVP, many started asking questions on how quickly the 24-year-old could get back to an MVP level — if ever.
He put those questions to bed himself in Monday when asked that very question by saying, “right away.”
And as far as when the All-Star could return, he said if it were up to him he’d be ready on Opening Day.
Acuña says he’d play on Opening Day if it was up to him. He is doing all defensive and baserunning drills. He says all that’s left is to begin playing in games. pic.twitter.com/LUgHnTMgXb
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 14, 2022
That’s certainly great news to hear him say he feels good and is ready to go, but the Braves will obviously be cautious. Alex Anthopoulos also said on Monday that Ronald Acuna Jr. likely won’t play in the field until the end of May.
However, that’s one of the huge benefits of the DH as we could still see Acuna return much earlier than that at the plate. And if he just hits home runs, then he doesn’t have to worry about running.
That seems to be his plan as well with the way he was crushing balls in batting practice on Monday.
Braves Ronald Acuna Jr. Dents Scoreboard, Declares He’s Back
Watching Ronald Acuna Jr. taking batting practice is a joy to behold. All through the offseasons I constantly search for posts of him hitting a baseball.
He decided to put on a show for those in attendance on Monday and created this awesome moment that likely would have ruled the day if not for that trade.
UNREAL video by @ReggieChatman here.
— Maria Martin (@Ria_Martin) March 14, 2022
"I'm back" 😤😤😤😤
Go ahead then Acuña. Listen to the audible reaction from everyone. #Braves pic.twitter.com/yVKu0kbXuV
The sound of the ball hitting that bat, Acuna announcing he’s back, hearing the ball hit the scoreboard, and then the reaction from those around … I love this.
As if I wasn’t excited enough about the outfielder returning this season, now my excitement is at a whole other level. Let’s just hope he can stay healthy. If he does, he’ll get his first of what could be multiple NL MVP awards.