The MLB Home Run Derby is one of the most anticipated events during All-Star week, but fans could be dealt a major blow as one of the expected participants is dealing with a new injury. Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is one of the headliners of the 2025 competition given the star’s anticipated performance at his home ballpark of Truist Park.
Now, Acuna’s status for both the MLB All-Star Game and Home Run Derby appears to be in doubt as the slugger is dealing with a back injury. Acuna was mum on whether he would be able to suit up for the upcoming MLB All-Star festivities.
“I think we should just take it day-by-day to see how we’re feeling,” Acuña said through interpreter Franco Garcia on July 9, 2025, per MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. “My first priority is to be able to rejoin the team and help the guys on the field. So, that’s really my first concern.
“… I did a movement and just felt it tighten up on me.”
Here’s what you need to know about Acuna’s injury and the upcoming MLB Home Run Derby.
Braves Star Ronald Acuna Jr. Is Expected to Compete vs. Mariners Slugger Cal Raleigh in the MLB Home Run Derby
Unless sidelined by the new injury, Acuna is slated to participate in his third Home Run Derby and perhaps the most significant with this event being in front of his home fans. Additionally, Mariners slugger Cal Raleigh, Nationals outfielder James Wood, Twins hitter Byron Buxton, Rays star Junior Caminero and Pirates center fielder Oneil Cruz have been announced as participants so far for the contest.
Acuna is one of the best players in baseball, but injuries have plagued his young career. The star has played in 40 games in 2025, missing half of this season’s games. This comes after Acuna played in just 49 contests in 2024.
The Derby takes place on July 14 (7-14) and the All-Star Game on July 15 (7-15). In 1935, Babe Ruth hit his 714th home run with the then Boston Braves. Nearly 40 years later, Hank Aaron broke Ruth’s record with his
Acuna hit a career-high 41 home runs in both 2023 and 2019. The Braves star previously expressed excitement to compete in the Home Run Derby in front of Braves fans.
“I’m super happy to be competing in my third Derby and even more so to be doing it in front of the best fans in baseball, in Braves Country,” Acuna said through an interpreter on June 25, per MLB.com. “I’m super excited.
“It just gives you a tremendous level of confidence from all the fans who are there supporting you.”
Ronald Acuna Jr.’s Status for MLB All Star Game & Home Run Derby Is in Doubt With a Back Injury
Acuna was a late scratch in the Braves’ July 8, matchup against the Athletics. Atlanta revealed the news less than one hour before the first pitch of the West Coast game.
“OF Ronald Acuña Jr. was scratched from tonight’s lineup due to low back tightness,” the Braves detailed on X.
Fans will be rooting for a speedy recovery for Acuna. The star’s potential showdown against Raleigh is one of the more anticipated aspects of the MLB All-Star events.
Raleigh is leading MLB with 36 home runs ahead of Aaron Judge’s 34 and Shohei Ohtani at 31. Time will tell if Acuna will be able to compete against Raleigh at a ballpark the star is very familiar with.
Unfortunate News Emerges on Braves OF Ronald Acuna Jr. Before Home Run Derby