The Atlanta Braves need a healthy Ronald Acuna Jr. and Spencer Strider back and soon. Ignoring for the moment the drama on social media with Acuna Jr., these two guys are elite talents and the Braves are very obviously better with them than without. Manager Brian Snitker just gave an update on both players and it left something to be desired.
We already knew that Acuna Jr. wasn't going to be back in mid-May as hoped as he is still building up strength in his quads. Updates on Strider and his hamstring have been scant which was a little spooky given how temperamental hamstrings can be.
Snitker did clear up some things as it sounds like Strider is progressing nicely towards a return, but the picture on Acuna Jr. is still very unclear as he has a key hurdle to overcome.
Spencer Strider progressing towards return, Ronald Acuna Jr. has key doctor's visit coming up
Starting with Strider, Snitker revealed that Strider has been doing some long toss and he seems pleased with how he is doing so far. Given that Strider hurt his hamstring playing catch somehow, that he is throwing long toss is a positive development. Still no word on when he could go out on a rehab assignment, though.
As for Acuna Jr., it seems like quad strength is the only box he has left to check in his rehab from knee surgery. Based on the timeline of events here, Acuna Jr. clearly didn't quite have enough during his last visit to satisfy his doctors and that is why his return is being pushed back a bit. Hopefully that visit happens soon and we get more answers then.
Fortunately for the Braves, their outfield is relatively stable at the moment. Eli White has been surprisingly decent with Alex Verdugo and Michael Harris II holding things down as well, though none of them are as dynamic a player as Acuna Jr. when he is right. Atlanta's rotation is in a bit tougher of a situation, though Bryce Elder not being completely embarrassing lately has certainly helped the cause.
If the Braves could get both Strider and Acuna Jr. back in the next month, they should be in a great position. This is a softer part of the schedule and they have made due without them until now. If their absences linger longer than that, then this season could start to feel a lot like 2024.