The final day of March delivered a series of unexpected setbacks for the Atlanta Braves, resembling an early April Fool’s prank rather than just another day in the MLB season. The team faced a double blow—losing outfielder Jurickson Profar to an 80-game suspension and placing starting pitcher Reynaldo López on the 15-day injured list. These developments significantly impacted the Braves’ roster as they prepared for the coming stretch of the season.
However, amid the challenges, there was at least some positive news. Catcher Sean Murphy is set to begin his rehabilitation assignment with the Triple-A affiliate starting tomorrow, marking a crucial step toward his eventual return to the lineup. Yet, the most significant update came from Braves manager Brian Snitker regarding the progress of star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., whose recovery from knee surgery remains a major storyline for Atlanta.
Acuña Jr.’s Road to Recovery
Speaking to reporters ahead of the Braves’ matchup against the Los Angeles Dodgers, Snitker provided an update that shed light on Acuña Jr.’s rehabilitation process. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Snitker confirmed that the reigning National League MVP is expected to resume normal outfield drills at some point in April, pending medical clearance.
Despite this encouraging update, there are still limitations in Acuña Jr.’s recovery. As noted by David O’Brien of The Athletic, Snitker mentioned that Acuña Jr. has not yet begun making lateral cuts, a key movement in testing his knee’s strength and stability. This detail suggests that while progress is being made, the timeline for his full return remains uncertain.
Expected Return Timeline
From the outset, the Braves had anticipated a mid-to-late May return for Acuña Jr., and the latest update aligns with that projection. Although he is moving in the right direction, he still has significant rehabilitation milestones to reach before being cleared to rejoin the lineup. The team remains cautious, prioritizing his long-term health over rushing him back onto the field too soon.
Braves Must Adapt in Acuña Jr.’s Absence
The suspension of Jurickson Profar adds another layer of difficulty for the Braves. Profar’s 80-game absence leaves a considerable gap in the outfield, making the wait for Acuña Jr.’s return even more challenging. With his suspension keeping him sidelined until just before the All-Star break, Atlanta will have to navigate the first half of the season with limited outfield depth.
In the meantime, the Braves will need to rely on their existing roster depth to compensate for these losses. Potential solutions could include increasing playing time for younger outfielders or making strategic roster moves to bolster their lineup. Additionally, Murphy’s return could provide a much-needed offensive boost, giving the team an extra weapon at the plate.
Looking Ahead
As Atlanta continues to deal with these roster changes, patience will be key. The team knows that a healthy Acuña Jr. is vital to their long-term success, and ensuring he returns at full strength will be essential as they aim for another deep playoff run. While Braves fans may be eager to see their MVP back on the field, the organization’s measured approach signals their commitment to his complete recovery.
With April now underway, all eyes will be on Acuña Jr.’s progress. If he can resume full outfield activities within the next few weeks, his expected mid-to-late May return could remain on schedule. Until then, the Braves must find ways to stay competitive without two key contributors, trusting that the reinforcements will arrive at the right time to keep their championship aspirations alive.
