2 min read • April 28, 2022
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Braves star outfield Ronald Acuña Jr. has been called up to the big leagues and will make his season debut in right field.
The move by manager Brian Snitker is an unexpected development. Since spring training, the team has reportedly planned to ease him in as the designated hitter.
Acuña tore the ACL in his right knee on July 10 last year, the last time he played right field.
The Pro Baseball Docs projected that Atlanta would take advantage of the universal DH to allow Acuña a slower accent into full-time action.
Marcell Ozuna will serve as the designated hitter tonight, with Adam Duvall in center field and Travis DeMeritte in left field.
With ACL recoveries, the last thing to come is the change of direction. There is also a risk of reinjury when the knee ligaments aren't fully healed.
Acuña is 9 months and 19 days into his recovery, meaning he is healthy enough to hit and run at less than 100%. His fielding skills will likely be limited until near the end of the season.
He carries a SIC player health score of 82, with the main downgrades being his inability to change directions in the outfield and while base running.
The 24-year-old obviously has immense talent and his bat looked ready in his rehab stint. In six rehab games at Triple-A Gwinnett, Acuña hit .368 in 19 at bats with a double and three stolen bases in three attempts.
The Braves are favored by 1.5 runs in tonight's matchup against the Cubs and the over/under is 8 runs, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.
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