It appears that Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. is on the verge of returning from the injured list. His rehab assignment has been bumped to Triple-A, according to his transactions log on MLB.com, and manager Walt Weiss said the right fielder could return as soon as the Braves’ current homestand.
Via 680 The Fan’s Barrett Sallee on X: “Braves manager Walt Weiss says that he won’t rule out OF Ronald Acuña Jr. returning this homestand”
Atlanta Braves’ Walt Weiss Reveals Ronald Acuña Jr. Could Return From IL This Homestand
GettyATLANTA, GEORGIA – JUNE 5: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves reacts during the eighth inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Truist Park on June 5, 2026 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Todd Kirkland/Getty Images)
Acuña has been on the injured list since June 10 with a left hamstring strain. He began a rehab assignment with the FCL Braves on July 13.
In three games with the FCL Braves, Acuña went 1-for-7 with a grand slam, two walks and five RBI.
In 53 games with Atlanta this season, Acuña has slashed .251/.373/.421 with seven home runs, 10 doubles, one triple, 22 RBI and 15 stolen bases.
Acuña is in the middle of an eight-year, $100 million contract he signed in 2019. The right fielder has club options in his contract for 2027 and 2028 at $17 million each year. The Braves are almost certain to exercise both options, as Acuña is widely viewed as one of the best players in MLB when he’s healthy.
Braves Struggling Without Ronald Acuña
GettySEATTLE, WASHINGTON – SEPTEMBER 10: Ronald Acuna Jr. #13 of the Atlanta Braves looks on during the sixth inning against the Seattle Mariners at T-Mobile Park on September 10, 2022 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Before Acuña landed on the IL, the Braves held a 45-22 record and a nine-game lead in the National League East. Since then, Atlanta has gone 10-18, lowering its record to 55-40. The Braves’ division lead no longer seems safe, as the Philadelphia Phillies are just 2 1/2 games back and the Miami Marlins are four games back.
The Braves’ lack of offensive production has been a major reason for the club’s recent skid. Since losing Acuña, Atlanta’s offense has ranked 28th in runs (111) and last in wRC+ (76) and on-base percentage (.286).
The Braves desperately need Acuña back, so it’s no surprise that the team is considering bringing him back as soon as this homestand, which will span from Friday through Thursday, starting with a three-game set against the Texas Rangers and ending with a four-game series against the San Diego Padres.
Game 1 of the three-game set between Atlanta and Texas at Truist Park is scheduled to begin at 7:15 p.m. EDT on Friday. Left-hander Chris Sale (9-6, 2.20 ERA, 117 SO, 98 IP) is slated to start for the Braves, while right-hander Cal Quantrill (3-1, 3.11 ERA, 28 SO, 46 1/3 IP) is scheduled to start for Texas. Braves fans can watch the game on BravesVision.
GettyLOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – MAY 08: Chris Sale #51 of the Atlanta Braves reacts to Teoscar Hernández #37 of the Los Angeles Dodgers single during the second inning at Dodger Stadium on May 08, 2026 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry How/Getty Images)
Atlanta Braves Manager Walt Weiss Reveals When Ronald Acuña Jr. Could Return From IL