Overview
- Braves manager Walt Weiss said Thursday the team could activate Ronald Acuña Jr. for the three-game series in Baltimore this weekend if final rehab checks go well.
- Acuña completed seven to eight minor-league rehab games for the FCL Braves and Triple-A Gwinnett, recording hits, a stolen base and repeated outfield runs with strong exit velocities.
- A brief limp after a July 24 at-bat raised concern, but beat reporter Mark Bowman said the movement was caused by a cleat catching in the dirt and not a hamstring reinjury.
- This is Acuña’s second left-hamstring IL stint of the season, so Atlanta plans a cautious reintegration that could include DH starts and limited early playing time to protect durability.
- Acuña is a 2023 NL MVP whose presence matters: the Braves hold a lead in the NL East and have been markedly better with him in the lineup, so his timely return could affect Atlanta’s playoff push.