Spencer Strider’s return didn’t go as hoped for the Braves, but Ronald Acuña Jr. kept hitting well during his stint with the Gwinnett Stripers.
Acuña was originally set to start in right field, but due to weather conditions, he was shifted to designated hitter just before the game began. The weather also shortened the game to five innings, limiting his opportunities. He ended up with just two plate appearances but managed a single to left field in his first at-bat. Acuña is now 6-for-13 in his first few games back at Triple-A.
Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos provided an update on Acuña’s rehab schedule, noting that he would rest on Wednesday and return to play Thursday, with further decisions to follow. It remains to be seen if the weather-related delays will alter the plan, but it appears Acuña may need a bit more time in Gwinnett. So far, he hasn’t played a full game in the field or attempted a stolen base.
“Acuña is traveling with the minor-league team,” Anthopoulos said. “There’s no exact timeline, but we’ve had him play back-to-back games in the outfield for six innings each, followed by a game at DH. We want to build him up to playing a full nine innings in the field. Offensively, his timing looks good—he’s been getting at-bats in simulated games and live BP since the start of Spring Training.”
“This process is more about conditioning and getting his legs fully under him. With no stolen base attempts or full games in the field yet, this week will focus on ramping him up. We’re in daily contact with the staff, and his workload should start increasing Tuesday. After a Wednesday day game on the road, he’ll rest and then play again Thursday. He’s scheduled to play two of the next three games, and he’s getting very close to being ready.”