When the Phillies visit on Opening Day, will Ronald Acuna Jr. be prepared? (Icon Sportswire/Rich Graessle)
Ronald Acuña Jr. and the Atlanta Braves’ historic 2023 season came to an abrupt end in the NLDS as the division rival Philadelphia Phillies defeated them in four games for the second straight year.
The Braves’ first series of the regular season will take place at Citizens Bank Park against the Phillies, so they won’t have to wait long for a chance to begin exacting revenge for their postseason defeat. It’s less certain, though, if the current NL MVP will start at the top of Atlanta’s lineup on March 28.
Acuña’s right knee will be examined by Dr. Neal ElAttrache on Monday, since an MRI on Friday indicated discomfort around his meniscus, according to The Braves are still hopeful that Acuña will be ready for Opening Day, but a lot will rely on what ElAttrache finds out in more testing. Acuña might miss several weeks if arthroscopic surgery is required to fix the injured meniscus, which would make a comeback by Opening Day unlikely.
Should the irritation resolve on its own, the timeline may be substantially shortened. Furthermore, neither the Braves nor their supporters want to entertain the idea that extra testing might turn up damage.
Brian Snitker, the manager of the Braves, stated, “Right now we’re trying to be optimistic.” “Perhaps he’s away for a few weeks or something shorter, just to get things under control. To be honest though, I’m not sure till we find out what the doctor says. Snitker stated, “At this point, we’re attempting to be positive about Acuña.” “Perhaps he’s away for a few weeks or something shorter, just to get things under control. To be honest, though, I won’t know until we hear from the local physician.
After registering an incredible offensive season in 2023 with 41 home runs, 106 RBIs, 73 stolen bases, and an OPS of 1.012, Acuña is coming off arguably one of the best offensive seasons in modern history. Saying that Acuña’s first six seasons have set him up to be one of the best outfielders in MLB history is not hyperbole. However, considering how explosive his game is, it’s important to keep an eye on the long-term health of his right knee.
The most recent time we saw Acuña
