Ronald Acuña Jr. never backs down from a painful situation. But when he tore his ACL for the second time in over three years, he had two options. Either to keep playing the only way he knows or adapt to something else. The choice wasn’t easy to make!

Now, aggression is something that has always fueled Acuña. He’s full of electrifying talent and unmatched speed. But that intensity came at a cost. The first ACL tear in 2021 while chasing a deep fly ball. And then, it happened for the second time during a stolen base attempt in the first inning of a routine game. That risk was totally uncalled for; it cut his season short. He even battled with an identity crisis during his rehab: “Can I still be me without pushing my body to the limit?”

Initially, he took into consideration entirely giving up on stolen bases. Juan Aular, his trainer, was aware that this wasn’t the answer. For over 10 weeks, they worked on his mindset more than his body. The aim wasn’t to make him less aggressive, but wiser in where he applied it.

Ronald Acuña admitted, “I’d rather steal 30 and play the whole season as opposed to trying to steal 70, injuring myself, and missing the whole year.” It was a crucial transition, but it was essential if he wanted longevity.

As his comeback is right around the corner, Acuña seems to be stronger, smarter, and motivated. And he won’t be held back by the Braves. It’s a green light for him to choose his moments carefully.

The highest version of Acuña Jr. is explosive as well as the one that stays on the field, making an impact when it matters the most.

Strider and Acuña making strides in recovery, eyeing superstar comebacks

In order to make game-changing additions, the Braves won’t have to wait until the trade deadline. Two of the best reinforcements imaginable—an ace and an MVP—are about to be onboarded in the team. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider are both working hard to make their comeback from injuries. And their returns could be an early-season boost for the Braves.

Strider, bouncing back from elbow surgery, is expected to return by late April. Acuña should make an entry in early or mid-May. And Manager Brian Snitker won’t be downplaying the impact of having them back.

Snitker stated, “We’re going to make two really good trades here early in the year.” He added, “We’re going to get an MVP and a potential Cy Young Award winner back.” And he’s right; an entirely healthy Acuña and Strider could shift the balance of the National League.

The Braves are gatekeeping their exact timelines, but the optimism is real. Strider went through internal brace surgery on his UCL last April. He has chances of pitching in a Grapefruit League game before camp ends. Once the season kicks off, he will be heading for a 30-day rehab period. On the other hand, Acuña Jr. is already refining most baseball activities. However, he still requires clearance for game action. He will be heading for a 20-day rehab assignment once he receives a green light.

The organization isn’t rushing either player. Braves President Alex Anthopoulos stated, “When they’re ready, they’ll be back with the team, and they’ll do their best to contribute.” He’s aware that their ceilings are high, but he also knows that expectations must be realistic.

The best part is that neither of the players is pushing to return sooner. “It’s unbelievable how they’re not sulking; they’re not pouting,” Snitker said. If all goes just the way it should, the Braves aren’t just receiving two phenomenal players back; they’re getting two stars who have what it takes to win.