Ronald Acuna Jr. is expected to return to the Atlanta Braves’ lineup on Thursday after fouling a ball off his shin during Tuesday’s game. The star outfielder was seen walking without a limp, offering a sign of relief to a team preparing for the postseason. The Braves have secured the third seed in the National League but still face uncertainty about their wild-card opponent, with the Padres, Phillies, and Cubs all within half a game of each other.
Acuna’s injury had raised concerns given his recent form. After months of offensive struggles across the roster, he had begun to recapture the level of performance seen in his prime. However, the Braves’ overall offense remains inconsistent, posting a 98 weighted runs created plus (wRC+) for the season. Acuna’s return could provide a much-needed boost as the playoffs approach.
The Braves’ pitching situation remains a topic of discussion. Chris Sale continues to anchor the rotation with strong outings, and the bullpen features reliable arms like Robert Suarez, who recently returned from the injured list after a lengthy absence. Suarez’s activation came at the expense of outfielder Owen Murphy, who was optioned to clear space on the roster.
Tyler Mahle has delivered impressive performances since joining Atlanta but remains a questionable option as the second starter in a playoff rotation. Beyond him, the rotation has been inconsistent, which could pose challenges in the postseason.
Atlanta’s recent 1-0 walk-off win over the Cincinnati Reds, a game with no playoff implications for either team, illustrated both the strengths and weaknesses of the Braves. Sale dominated on the mound, but the offense struggled to produce runs. The team will look to build on any momentum gained from that win heading into the playoffs.
Meanwhile, other MLB postseason news has seen the Tampa Bay Rays rule out star pitcher Shane McClanahan for their divisional round series. The New York Yankees are waiting on the status of Aaron Judge, who remains on the injured list but hopes to return for the wild-card series. The Los Angeles Dodgers have activated Shohei Ohtani from the injured list and Tarik Skubal from bereavement, bolstering their roster ahead of their postseason run.
For the Braves, Acuna’s return is the latest hopeful development as they prepare to face an uncertain wild-card opponent. The team’s health appears as stable as it has been in recent weeks, but questions linger about whether their offense can rise to the occasion when it matters most.
According to Yahoo Sports.