Ronald Acuna Jr. recovery timeline: How Braves star came back from torn ACL injury

One of the best players in baseball is back. Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. has been activated by the team and will make his 2025 debut on Friday, May 23. 

Acuna had been sidelined for nearly a year thanks to the second torn ACL of his career. He suffered the injury on May 26, 2024 while running the bases. It looked like a freak accident. Acuna had been timing the pace at which the Pirates' catcher threw the ball to the pitcher. He was on second and made a move like he would try to take third during a lackadaisical throwback, but thought better of it. The swift turn resulted in his tearing his ACL and cost him the rest of his season.

Acuna has been on a long road recovering, and is finally set to make his 2025 debut with the big league ball club. Let's take a look back at his recovery and how his career has gone so far. 

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Ronald Acuna Jr. recovery timeline

May 26, 2024: Acuna tears his ACL for the second time in his career. He had torn his right ACL trying to catch a line drive in the outfield in 2021. This most recent tear was to his left ACL. 

May 5, 2025: It was initially reported that Acuna would go to California for one more check of his knee and quad before getting cleared. After a few hours, reports came out that Acuna was given the all-clear without the extra trip to see his surgeon. 

May 13, 2025: After almost a year with little updates, the Braves announced that Acuna would begin a rehab assignment. He would start at the Braves' Florida Complex League and then be assigned to a minor-league affiliate. 

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May 13, 2025: Acuna played for the Braves' Rookie ball, Florida league team. He finished 1-3 with a solo home run. 

May 15, 2025: Acuna was promoted to the Braves' Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett. He went 2-3 with a double in his debut. 

May 16, 2025: Acuna went 0-2, but walked twice and scored two runs. 

May 17, 2025: Acuna goes 1-1 at the plate with a solo shot, and then walks four times. 

May 20, 2025: Acuna got a few off days. He then returned and went 1-2 with a single. 

May 21, 2025: Acuna played his final rehab game and finished 1-4 with a double and a walk. 

May 23, 2025: Acuna was activated by the Braves, and shortstop Orlando Arcia was DFA'd.

The #Braves today returned OF Ronald Acuña Jr. from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list. The club also designated INF Orlando Arcia for assignment.

Ronald Acuna Jr. stats

Here are Acuna's stats from his short career.