Braves offer big update on superstar Ronald Acuna Jr.

Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuna Jr. IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Braves offer big update on superstar Ronald Acuna Jr.

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Jul 13, 2026 1:41 PM ET

If all goes well, a scuffling Atlanta Braves lineup may soon be getting the return of their superstar right fielder shortly after the All-Star break.

According to an official team announcement, Ronald Acuna Jr. will begin a rehab assignment on Monday with the FCL Braves.

Ronald Acuna Jr. is set to begin a rehab assignment on Monday

Acuna is currently on the injured list after suffering his second hamstring injury of the season.

During his absence, Atlanta has struggled to get solid production from its right fielders. Despite that, the Braves still have the ninth highest Wins Above Average (1.8) this season. A returning Acuna would almost certainly boost that number.

Additionally, Braves shortstop Ha-Seong Kim will begin his rehab assignment alongside Acuna with the FCL Braves.

Ronald Acuna Jr. preparing to begin a rehab assignment. He should back in the Braves’ lineup after the All-Star break pic.twitter.com/AysvSszVvN
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) July 4, 2026

Availability is starting to become a real concern for Ronald Acuna Jr.

Since his first ACL tear in 2021, the ability to consistently remain on the field has been a problem for Acuna. He suffered another torn ACL in 2024 and that injury combined with two IL stints in 2026 have caused the 2023 MVP to appear in just 197 of a possible 419 games.

When fully healthy, though, Acuna is still one of the best players in all of baseball, as shown by his 40-70, MVP 2023 season.

The Atlanta offense needs a spark

Atlanta is 10-16 over its last 26 games, a span which they've averaged 4.2 runs per game. A couple of 10-run outbursts have greatly helped that average, otherwise the Braves would likely be below four runs per game in that stretch.

The return of a healthy and motivated Acuna could be exactly what Atlanta needs to return to the dominant team it was over the first two-and-a-half months of the season.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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