ATLANTA (AP) — Venezuelan slugger Ronald Acuña Jr. connected on the very first pitch he saw Friday and sent it 467 feet for a home run in his spectacular return to the Atlanta Braves.
Acuña marked his first appearance in almost a year. The 2023 National League MVP was activated from the injured list and rejoined the Braves’ lineup, nearly a year after tearing the anterior cruciate ligament in his left knee.
Acuña, in his customary leadoff spot, faced a fastball from Padres right-hander Nick Pivetta and sent the ball into the stands between left field and center. Acuña hesitated briefly on his way around the bases and broke into a little hop.
It was the lone bright moment for Atlanta’s hitters, who fell 2-1.
“I had a feeling about hitting a home run on my return,” Acuña said.
When asked if he was referring to a homer on the very first pitch, Acuña said, “Exactly as it happened. … For me, that’s just the culmination of all the work I put in.”
The Venezuelan infielder Orlando Arcia, an All-Star in 2023, was optioned from the 40-man roster to make room for Acuña, who started in right field.
Acuña said he was “super excited, super happy” to make his return and added, “I couldn’t sleep much” after learning of the comeback on Thursday.
Braves manager Brian Snitker announced after Thursday night’s 8-7 loss in Washington that Acuña would debut for the season on Friday night.
Snitker said on Friday that he felt good about setting his first lineup of 2025 that included Acuña.
“He’s one of those players who, when he shows up, you’d better not go grab a beer or whatever, because you could miss something really special, you know?” Snitker said. “I mean, it’s that kind of force in the game that I think will energize everyone. It will energize the fans. It will energize his teammates.”
“Did you think he wouldn’t connect a homer on that first pitch?” Snitker added.
Acuña, the 2023 National League MVP, tore the ACL in his left knee on May 26 and underwent surgery on June 6. The 27-year-old played six minor-league rehab games, going 15-for-7 with two homers.
Acuña played only 49 games last season, hitting .250 with four homers, 15 RBIs, 16 stolen bases and an OPS of .716.
This marks Acuña’s second return from a serious knee injury. He tore the ACL in his right knee on July 10, 2021, and came back the following April. When asked Friday what’s different about this rehab process, he said, “Patience. Patience, for sure. … I just think I’m in a much better place.”
Atlanta entered with a 24-25 record after an 0-7 start.
“It’s huge,” said third baseman Austin Riley. “The talent is there. The energy he brings, having Ronald up at the top of the lineup. … he can change a game at any moment.”
Acuña was unanimously chosen National League MVP in 2023 when he hit .336 with 41 home runs, 106 RBIs and an NL-leading OPS of 1.012. Acuña also stole 73 bases that year to become the only player with 40 homers and 70 steals in a season.
Arcia, 30, was selected to the National League All-Star Game in 2023 when he hit .264 with 17 home runs and 65 RBIs. He lost his starting role due to his inability to answer at the plate while his defense slipped. He went 31 at-bats this season, batting .194.
Snitker trusted that Arcia would accept a minor-league assignment if he did not land another job in the majors.
“I think we all know it’s a business,” Acuña said about Arcia’s demotion. “I’m happy to be back, but I’m sorry that had to be the move.”
