NORTH PORT, Fla. – At the Braves’ spring training facility, star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. participated in batting practice on Thursday, while right-handed pitcher Spencer Strider completed a side session earlier this week. Although both key players are currently recovering from injuries and will likely miss the team’s season opener, manager Brian Snitker shared that they are showing promising recovery progress and should be ready to contribute early in the season.
Snitker is optimistic about the impact of both Acuña and Strider once they return to the lineup, hinting at the significant trades that could take place at the beginning of the season. “We’re going to make two really big trades at some point in time early in the season and get, you know, an All-Star and a potential Cy Young Award winner back,” he mentioned during an interview with MLB Network.
Currently, both players are on individual rehabilitation programs. Acuña suffered a left ACL tear on May 26, followed by surgery on June 6. Meanwhile, Strider underwent surgery last April to fix the ulnar collateral ligament in his pitching elbow. In addition to batting practice with his teammates, Acuña has also started sprinting on the field during training camp, showing significant signs of recovery.
“Ronald’s doing everything. You know, he hasn’t done a lot of the cutting and things like that,” Snitker noted. “But, you know, I’ve seen him in Atlanta before I came down. And as you’re seeing right now, I mean, he’s doing great. I mean, he’s checking all the boxes. He looks great.”
Strider’s recent side session on Wednesday marked the official start of workouts for Braves pitchers and catchers. In the previous season, he achieved a record of 20 wins and 5 losses, boasting a 3.86 ERA and leading the league with 281 strikeouts across 32 games.
Snitker praised Strider’s performance, stating, “The ball’s coming out really good.” Acuña had an impressive season as well, finishing 2023 with a batting average of .337, hitting 41 home runs, driving in 106 runs, and stealing 73 bases. His performance made him the first player in MLB history to both hit 40 home runs and steal 70 bases in a single season, contributing to Atlanta’s sixth consecutive NL East title.
In 2022, Acuña’s season was cut short after only 49 games due to a complete ACL tear. He sustained the injury during a game on May 26, which was preceded by a double during the first inning. His knee buckled as he attempted to steal second base. Previously, Acuña also tore his right ACL on July 20, 2021, but made a successful return the following April.
