Braves just got the Ronald Acuña Jr. news everyone was waiting for

Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. moved another step closer to returning to the major league roster Tuesday, appearing in his second rehab game with the Florida Complex League Braves as he works his way back from a left hamstring strain.

Batting atop the lineup, Acuña went 0-for-3, flying out, striking out and reaching on an error before being lifted for a pinch-runner. While the box score wasn’t impressive, the biggest takeaway for Atlanta was that the former National League MVP completed another game without any reported setbacks as the club carefully monitors his recovery.

The Braves placed Acuña on the 10-day injured list on June 10 after he suffered a mild Grade 1 left hamstring strain, the second hamstring injury he has dealt with this season. His rehab assignment began Monday during the All-Star break, and the organization is expected to gradually increase both his workload and time in the outfield before activating him.

Before the injury, Acuña appeared in 53 games for Atlanta, batting .251 with seven home runs, 22 RBIs, 15 stolen bases, 31 runs scored and a .793 OPS. While those numbers are below the lofty standards he has established throughout his career, injuries have limited his ability to find consistency this season.

Braves receive promising  Acuña Jr. update 

Even with an abbreviated campaign, Acuña remains one of baseball’s most dangerous players when healthy. The five-time All-Star owns a career .287 batting average and is best known for his historic 2023 season, when he became the first player in MLB history to record at least 40 home runs and 70 stolen bases in the same season while earning National League MVP honors.

Atlanta has little reason to rush its franchise cornerstone back into action. The Braves are focused on ensuring Acuña is fully healthy for the stretch run, where his combination of elite power, speed and defense could dramatically improve the club’s postseason outlook.

For now, the results in the rehab games remain secondary. Every inning played and every sprint completed without discomfort brings Acuña one step closer to rejoining the Braves. If he continues progressing as expected over the next several days, his return to Atlanta’s lineup could come shortly after the All-Star break.

 MLB news:

• Rintaro Sasaki has a big choice to make between MLB and NPB
• CC Sabathia's son gets drafted by one of his former teams
• After 9 years in the minor leagues, a magical moment for Tigers catcher
• How Rays turned Tim Beckham bust draft pick into Junior Caminero
• Barry Bonds' nephew has a chance to be key pick in 2026 MLB Draft