Just In: Positive Update on Ronald Acuña Jr. injury situation

The reigning National League MVP sustained a total tear of his left ACL on May 26; this will be his second ACL rehab after injuring his right knee in 2021.

It’s always distressing to witness a professional athlete suffer a long-term injury, especially when that player has a history with them. Ronald Acuña Jr. tore his left ACL during an Atlanta Braves game against the Pittsburgh Pirates on May 26.

The injury occurred when Acuña attempted to steal third base. As he attempted to return, his left knee appeared to become trapped, and the Venezuelan ended up rolling on the ground. He was eventually able to walk off the field, accompanied by the Braves medical personnel.

Despite facing a significant injury, Acuña maintains a positive outlook. The Venezuelan added through interpreter Franco García that it has been simpler to absorb this time around since he knows what to anticipate. The goal is “to come back as a better player and a better person.”

He had to go through the same aches and hardships in 2021, when he hurt his right knee’s ACL and was sidelined for more than nine months. “I’ll be ready when the team says I’m ready,” he stated. “I’m just hopeful that the surgery goes well, the rehab goes well, and everything goes according to plan.”

The four-time All-Star will have surgery on June 4, with Dr. Neil ElAttrache performing the procedure in Los Angeles. Acuña described his experiences as “blessings in disguise.”

“Sometimes you got to lose yourself to find yourself, and I think that’s how I’m trying to approach this thing,” he stated. “I just want to take everything in stride and who knows, maybe I can come back and win another MVP.”

When an athlete suffers a long-term injury, the first question asked is when they will be able to return to action. Acuña’s main takeaway from his initial ACL rehab was patience.

Despite the positive sentiments, there is still a bittersweet flavor. “It feels like I’m letting everyone down,” the Venezuelan admitted. “But there is nothing I can do.” “Just keep working hard to heal.”

Acuña remarked that the immense support he has received since the news emerged has caused him to cry at home alone, as he feels like he is abandoning the squad.

With a difficult road ahead for a full recovery, the reigning NL MVP will stay in Los Angeles for a month or month and a half after surgery before joining the Braves.

Despite Acuña’s absence until the 2021 season due to another ACL injury, Atlanta won their first World Series title since 1995.