Atlanta Braves right fielder Ronald Acuña Jr. is unlikely to feature this weekend against the Red Sox. He remains on the injured list after straining his hamstring.
Acuña Jr. sustained the injury on 2nd May in a game against the Rockies. He was subsequently placed on the 10-day injured list the following day.
Acuña’s Rehab Progress
Acuña Jr. has been undertaking running drills at Truist Park this week. He has been seen doing these drills hours before the first pitch. Before the Braves played a three-game series against the Red Sox, Acuña was participating in batting practice. He was also shagging fly balls in right field.
Return Not Imminent
Braves manager Brian Snitker indicated that Acuña isn’t likely to be reinstated at any point this week. Regarding Acuña’s progress, Snitker stated, “He’s still got some speed. We’ll work through the time. We think he’s still got half to get to get out of it but he’s doing some things. He’s doing some running before batting practice and again the agility. We’ll evaluate him out of the home stand.”
Braves manager Walt Weiss said, “He’s Ronnie. He’s doing Ronnie things.”
Weiss added, “They’re not going to let me look too much, look little more, passing situation, quite run. I think that’s the thought today. So we’re just sitting there, holding him, seeing how he’s feeling every day. He’s good here. Enough. Encouraging but not doing a whole lot but he’s been back around. Adding all that at bat.”
Possible Lineup Changes
It was mentioned that when Acuña returns, his strength will slowly return. The manager said that a quad injury is possible, and the possibility of Acuña’s return is more likely next month. It was suggested that when Acuña returns, Michael Harris II could move to centre field. A Venezuelan designated hitter could be brought back.
Braves Roster Moves
José Acuña was brought back from Triple-A Gwinnett on Tuesday after being designated for assignment. He was called up on 6th May and optioned on Monday 3rd May. In the game this week, Acuña went 1-for-3 against the Cubs on Friday. The Braves have gone 4-6 with Acuña on the IL.
The Braves are without Acuña Jr., who last played on 2nd May.