For the first time in nearly two months, the Atlanta Braves will have Ronald Acuña Jr. back in their lineup on Monday.
The Braves activated Acuña from the 10-day injured list on Monday prior to their series opener against the New York Mets at Citi Field. They optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A Gwinnett in a corresponding move.
Acuña hasn't played for Atlanta since June 9, when he suffered a left hamstring strain -- the same injury that sidelined him for much of May.
The #Braves today returned OF Ronald Acuña Jr. from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and optioned OF Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A Gwinnett.
— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 27, 2026
Not surprisingly, the Braves slumped a bit in his absence, going 17-21 without him during his most recent IL stint. Fortunately for them, they still lead the NL East by 5.5 games over the Philadelphia Phillies.
Atlanta's hoping the 2023 NL MVP can stay healthy and give them a boost down the stretch. In 53 games this season, he's batting .251//.373/.421 with seven home runs, 22 RBI and 15 steals in 22 attempts -- well below his career averages.
The Braves are hoping the five-time All-Star can return to form over the next few months and help them reach the playoffs with his elite combination of power and speed.