Atlanta Braves fans can breathe a sigh of relief as National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. is expected to be ready for Opening Day after concerns about his sore right knee. A thorough examination by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles revealed no serious issues, with only irritation in the meniscus of Acuña’s knee.
Acuña’s performance last season was nothing short of exceptional, making history by becoming the first player to hit 40 homers and steal 70 bases in a single season. His unanimous selection for NL MVP was well-deserved, hitting .337 with 41 homers, 106 RBIs, and 73 stolen bases, leading the Braves to their sixth consecutive NL East title.
The scare came during an exhibition game against the Minnesota Twins when Acuña tweaked his knee while in a rundown between bases. Initial assessments did not raise any alarms, with Acuña staying in the game for a few more innings. However, persistent pain led the team to take precautionary measures due to the previous season-ending knee injury in 2021.
As a safety measure, the Braves sent Acuña to Dr. ElAttrache for further evaluation, who confirmed that there was no structural damage, providing a sense of relief to the team and fans alike. Acuña will gradually increase his baseball activities and is on track to be cleared to play by the season opener against the Philadelphia Phillies on March 28.
With Acuña’s health on the mend and his stellar track record, the Braves are looking ahead to another season of high expectations. Acuña’s presence on the field brings a dynamic element to the team, and his return for Opening Day is a promising sign for the Braves’ aspirations in the upcoming season.
While the injury scare initially raised concerns, the news of Acuña’s expected return for Opening Day brings a sense of reassurance to the Atlanta Braves and their dedicated fan base. With his exceptional talent and resilience, Acuña is poised to pick up where he left off and continue to make a significant impact on the field.
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