Hopes are back on their way at the Atlanta Braves’ dugout, but fans need to manage their expectations ahead of injured Ronald Acuna Jr.’s return in MLB. Braves fans are all set to welcome their superstar after a prolonged absence due to another ACL injury. But they have been recently hit by sobering perspectives with recent developments on his comeback timeline, as disclosed by an insider.

The Venezuelan professional sustained a left ACL injury back in May 2024. Since then, he has been recuperating and working hard to make his comeback in the field. Earlier in 2021, Acuna Jr. tore his right knee, marking an injury-plagued career in MLB. Despite the setbacks, the right-hander remained optimistic about his comeback, expressing confidence in his recovery process. 

While the Atlanta enthusiasts count down the days for his comeback in the hope of Acuna Jr. saving the season, MLB insider and broadcaster Grant McAuley had a blunt take on his return. McAuley advised the fans to manage their expectations, as the 27-year-old is coming off a long layoff due to a serious injury. “You sit there and you go, the current guys in the lineup can’t expect Ronald Acuña Jr. to come and hit 30 [homers] and steal 30 [bases]. No. You gotta temper expectations at least a little bit,” McAuley told Erik Kratz on Foul Territory TV.

For those unaware, ‘El De La Sabana’ took a while to find his MVP mojo back, coming back from his injury in the 2022 season. The statement made by McAuley wasn’t directed at Acuna Jr.’s ability, but the nature of the recovery regime and the challenges he faced during his rehabilitation. After all, this is his second serious injury, in a short period, and fans have to be mindful of the fact. 

There’s no question about Acuna Jr. and his ability to bounce back from adversities. After a lackluster 2022 season, Acuna Jr. became the first player in MLB history to hit 40 homers and steal 70 bases in a single season, hitting prime MVP form. His run also helped him bag the NL MVP award, solidifying his place as one of the best in MLB. But McAuley suggested that it would be a different challenge for him this time, as it was his left knee which was damaged. 

“He pushed himself a lot harder, I’d say, last time to get back as soon as possible. Whereas I think the team and Ronald are trying to learn a little bit from that and bring him back on a timetable that doesn’t necessarily put the weight of the world on him,” the Braves reporter continued.

Further into the conversation, the renowned broadcaster dropped a harsh truth about fans’ expectations of Acuna Jr. swooping in and saving the season for the Braves. But it will be more about the morale boost in the clubhouse with his presence, which would eventually result in an energy shift and possibly ignite the much-needed spark in the dugout. 

Why Braves core must answer now

That said, upon his return, the brunt of responsibility should not be borne by Acuna Jr. alone. Later in the conversation with Kratz, McAuley mentioned that for the Braves to turn the season around, the load should be shouldered by the core. This is formed by the likes of Austin Riley, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Ozzie Albies, and Michael Harris.

According to McAuley, the Braves’ offense has been spiraling down quietly since the last season and has persisted so far. Despite having one of the enviable lineups in the competition on paper, the Braves’ core are finding it difficult to bring out their potential on the field.

This season, ‘the Bravos’ hold a 16–17 record, striving to reach a .500 win-loss ratio. Despite a solid pitching rotation, they have struggled offensively, ranking near the bottom of the league in batting average, on-base percentage, slugging, wRC+, and runs scored over the past week.

Time will tell whether Acuna Jr.’s return to the fold will cause a major impact at Truist Park. Moreover, it is established that the management will not rush Acuna Jr.’s return to the field. But if Braves fans are looking for an immediate MVP impact, they may be setting themselves up for disappointment.