Ronald Acuña Jr. Faces Second ACL Rehabilitation with Optimism
Northport, Florida—In a heartbreaking turn of events during a routine team meeting, Ronald Acuña Jr. learned he had completely torn the ACL in his left knee on May 26th. The Atlanta Braves superstar was understandably emotional following the diagnosis. However, later that evening, after speaking with his trainer Juan Aular in Venezuela, Acuña shifted his focus towards recovery and self-improvement, expressing confidence in his ability to emerge stronger. “We’ll do this one more time,” he told Aular. “I’m planning on getting the MVP again.”
A New Perspective on Recovery
Aular, who previously guided Acuña through a similar journey after he tore his right ACL in 2021, was initially taken aback by Acuña’s composed attitude. “I got goosebumps,” Aular recounted. Their training sessions this winter revealed a different Acuña—more mature, focused, and determined to redefine his playing style. Notably, Aular advised Acuña to refrain from stealing bases entirely to preserve his recovery. Instead, they concentrated on stabilizing his movements and fostering a smarter style of play.
Mastering the Art of Control in the Game
“He needs to learn how to deal with the situation in the game,” Aular noted. The critical lesson for Acuña is balancing aggression with control, especially as he continues to recover from a second significant knee injury. During his first ACL tear, a mishap occurred while sprinting toward the warning track. The most recent injury was linked to a risky move attempting to steal multiple bases in one game.
Acuña’s Performance History and Goals
Acuña’s major league career has been a mix of impressive peaks and injury setbacks. In 2019, he hit 41 home runs and stole 37 bases, securing a fifth-place finish in the National League MVP voting as a rookie. His notable performance came to a high point in 2023 when he achieved an unprecedented 40/70 season, leading to a unanimous MVP selection. Despite injury struggles, Acuña is now gearing up to enhance his performance further, stating his desire to steal 30 bases while risking less injury. “I want to play the entire season rather than trying to steal 70, risk injury, and miss the whole year,” he emphasized.
Braves’ Strategy Surrounding Acuña’s Return
The Braves franchise is optimistic about Acuña’s return, though a specific date has yet to be announced beyond aiming for a May comeback. Acuña’s rehabilitation period has spanned nearly 12 months—a marked increase from his previous recovery timeline. This time, the focus is on comprehensive gameplay; he isn’t expected to be limited to designated hitter roles, and he will compete in his usual position while continuing to steal bases at his discretion.
Team Support and Future Outlook
Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos expressed confidence in Acuña’s return. “When he comes back, he’s going to go for it all and make sure he’s going to become himself,” he said. Anthopoulos reiterated that as long as Acuña receives medical clearance, the team expects him to play freely, without restrictions. This supportive environment contrasts with Acuña’s previous experience, where he exhibited cautious behavior upon returning from his first injury.
Rehabilitation Process and Mental Fortitude
Acuña’s commitment to his recovery has been intense. He engaged in a six-day training regimen at Elite Orthosport, a specialized facility in Los Angeles, focusing on building strength and stability while adhering to a detailed training plan outlined by the Braves’ staff. The rigorous training has paid dividends; Acuña has reportedly shown flashes of his former self during practice sessions, impressing teammates with powerful batting displays.
Reflections on the Journey
As Acuña reflects on his rehabilitation experience, he stresses the importance of patience and mental resilience, stating: “I’m not worried.” His desire to leverage these challenges into becoming a better player is evident. “I know the type of player I can be,” he concluded confidently. “The most important thing is health.”
