MLB Makes Major Ronald Acuna Jr. Statement After Return

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Rodney Knuppel | Last updated Jun 1, 2025 11:44 AM ET

The Atlanta Braves badly needed a spark, and Ronald Acuna Jr. has delivered since returning from the injured list. On Saturday, he blasted another home run in a 5-0 win over the Boston Red Sox.

The 2023 National League MVP went down with a leg injury on May 26, 2024, after taking a lead off second base. It took just under a full year for him to return to the Braves' lineup.

In his comeback game on May 23, Acuna wasted no time. He crushed the first pitch he saw over the wall off San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta and finished with two hits. The Braves are hoping this version of Acuna is here to stay.

MLB acknowledged his impact with a Saturday post:

"Ronald Acuña Jr. now has 3 home runs since his return. La Bestia is BACK "

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And he’s playing like it. The four-time All-Star, nicknamed “La Bestia,” now has 168 career home runs at age 27.

Since rejoining the lineup, Acuna is hitting .367 with three home runs and six RBIs in eight games. Five of his 11 hits have gone for extra bases, and he’s also scored six runs. He’s had multiple hits in three of his last four games.

Acuna's homer on Saturday capped the Braves’ scoring. Austin Riley also went deep in the same inning. On the mound, rookie Spencer Schwellenbach was dominant, striking out 11 over 6 1/3 innings, allowing just five hits and no runs to earn the win.

The Braves entered Sunday’s series finale against Boston with a 27-30 record, sitting fourth in the National League East. After a day off on Monday, Atlanta opens a three-game home series against the Arizona Diamondbacks on Tuesday.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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