Ronald Acuña Jr. is officially back from the injured list as of Monday, ending almost seven weeks sidelined with a left hamstring strain. The 2023 National League MVP, a five-time All-Star, is expected to suit up for the Braves’ Monday night series opener against the New York Mets, and trust me, the rest of the league just felt that ripple.
The Acuña Rollercoaster and Braves’ Grind
Man, this guy’s career has been a rollercoaster of pure brilliance mixed with brutal injury luck. This isn’t even his first hamstring issue this season; he missed 15 games in May with the same exact injury. We’re talking about a .251 hitter with seven bombs, 22 RBIs, and 15 stolen bases in a shortened season, but it could have been so much more. When Acuña got shelved on June 9, the Braves were tearing it up with a 45-23 record, topping the majors and holding an eight-game lead in the NL East over Philadelphia. They definitely struggled in June without their superstar, but credit where it’s due: they’ve bounced back strong after the All-Star break. Now, they’re sitting at a solid 62-43, still leading the second-place Phillies by a respectable 5.5 games. Can you imagine where they’d be if Acuña stayed healthy? It’s wild to think about, especially with his past serious knee injuries: a season-ending torn anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee in May 2024 and tearing his right ACL midway through the 2021 season. Braves manager Walt Weiss expects Acuña to primarily play in right field, his usual spot, after he split rehab time between designated hitter and outfield. To make room, Brewer Hicklen was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett. This return is huge for Atlanta’s push.
Shaking Up the League Beyond Atlanta
Across the league, other teams are dealing with their own mid-season drama. Out in Cincinnati, the Reds just placed Spencer Steer on the 10-day injured list with right wrist pain. Dude had to exit Sunday’s game against the Cardinals after fouling a pitch off, and that’s a tough break. Steer’s been a monster for them, one of their most dynamic hitters, batting .238 with 40 RBIs and 16 home runs in 98 games. Plus, he’s basically played everywhere: every outfield spot, first, second, and third base. Talk about versatility! The Reds called up Ivan Johnson from Triple-A Louisville to fill the void. After grabbing a road series win at the Cardinals, Cincy kicks off three straight home series tonight against the Cleveland Guardians.
Meanwhile, a trade is brewing! The Chicago White Sox are reportedly snagging Pittsburgh Pirates reliever Jose Urquidy, according to Robert Murray. Details are still TBD, but the White Sox are clearly looking to beef up that bullpen as they gun for the American League Central title. Urquidy’s numbers with the Pirates aren’t exactly eye-popping, with an 8.53 ERA and 2.68 WHIP in just 6.1 innings over five appearances, but maybe a change of scenery is exactly what he needs.
And in Toronto, we’ve got a veteran making a comeback. Max Scherzer, who turns 42, is coming off the injured list to start Monday’s series opener at Washington. Blue Jays manager John Schneider confirmed it after their 6-1 loss to the Red Sox. It’s always awesome to see a legend like Max back on the mound.
Tonight is setting up to be a busy one across the big leagues, with Acuña’s return potentially sparking the Braves even more against the Mets. The Reds need to figure out life without Steer when they face the Guardians, and all eyes are on the White Sox trade details. Baseball is always giving us something to talk about, isn’t it? Get ready for some Monday night action!
This article was created with AI assistance and published under Seattle On Tap’s editorial standards. See our Editorial Policy.
Originally reported by Fox Sports.
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