He's back: Braves activate former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr.

Field Level Media|published: Fri 23rd May, 13:17 2025

May 24, 2024; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. (13) in the on-deck circle against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the fifth inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images

The Atlanta Braves officially activated former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. from the injured list ahead of Friday's series opener against the visiting San Diego Padres.

The 27-year-old outfielder has not played in the majors since tearing his left ACL almost one year ago on May 26, 2024.

Acuna appeared in five games on a rehab assignment at Triple-A Gwinnett, batting .417 (5-for-12) with one homer, two doubles and one RBI.

The Padres will send right-hander Nick Pivetta (5-2, 2.86 ERA) to the mound Friday. Acuna has a .233 average with no home runs and nine strikeouts in his career against the 32-year-old.

A four-time All-Star, Acuna was the 2018 National League Rookie of the Year and the 2023 Most Valuable Player.

He is a career .289/.379/.525 hitter with 165 homers, 417 RBIs and 196 stolen bases in 722 games with the Braves.

The Braves designated former All-Star infielder Orlando Arcia for assignment Friday to make room for Acuna on the 26-man roster. Arcia, 30, is batting .194 with one RBI in 14 games this season.

--Field Level Media

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