The Atlanta Braves are reinstating an important member of the roster as the final stretch of the regular season kicks off against the New York Mets.
According to a Monday announcement from the team, they have activated Ronald Acuna Jr. from the 10-day Injured List. He will reunite with the team to kick off a three-game series against the New York Mets.
The team has optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen back to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move to make room for Acuna on the roster.
The 2023 National League MVP, Acuna has only appeared in 53 games this season while dealing with injuries. He first strained his left hamstring on May 2, which knocked him out of the lineup for more than two weeks.
He then returned on May 19 but re-aggravated the hamstring injury on June 9. Acuna spent nine rehab games with Triple-A Gwinnett and hit a home run before the Braves brought him back.
Acuna has made 195 at-bat appearances this season while in limited action. He has posted 49 hits, 31 runs, 22 RBIs, and seven home runs. He has also stolen 15 bases.
The reinforcements will be crucial as Atlanta tries to maintain its early-season momentum. The team currently leads the National League East with a 62-43 record. The Philadelphia Phillies are in second place with a 57-49 record.
The rest of the NL East includes the Washington Nationals (54-52), Miami Marlins (52-54), and New York Mets (44-62).
The Mets and Braves will face off in a three-game series on Monday, Tuesday, and Wednesday. The Braves will then take on the Nationals in a four-game series to close out July. After that, they will face off with the Marlins in a three-game series.
These three series will have a direct impact on outcome of the NL East, and Acuna could play a significant role as he returns from the hamstring strains.
