Acu?a's tape-measure BP homers get camp abuzz

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NORTH PORT, Fla. -- The Braves haven’t revealed when Ronald Acuña Jr. will return from his latest knee surgery, and nobody knows what to expect from the 2023 National League MVP when he returns.

But as Acu?a has spent the past couple of weeks hitting ridiculously long batting practice home runs, he has provided the reminder that he can still be something special, even with two surgically repaired knees.

“He’s probably as strong as he’s ever been,” Braves manager Brian Snitker said.

Acu?a tore his right ACL two days before the 2021 All-Star break, and he tore his left ACL near the end of May last season. We might never see him steal as frequently as he did in 2023, when he tallied a franchise record 73 stolen bases while also hitting 41 homers.

But there’s no doubt the 27-year-old outfielder could add a few more 40-homer seasons to his collection. Injuries and COVID have limited the dynamic veteran to just two full seasons thus far (2019 and ‘23). He hit 41 homers in both of those seasons.

“[Braves hitting coach Tim Hyers] said [Acu?a] was in the cage the other day whistling that bat like some guys do a Wiffle ball bat,” Snitker said.

So, what’s the wait?

Acu?a is taking regular batting practice, and he has faced live pitching during live batting practice sessions. He has also been throwing and doing running drills that keep him on a straight path. But he hasn’t been cleared to do any cutting drills.

Atlanta is trying to avoid Acu?a having to deal with the lingering discomfort that followed him throughout the 2022 season. He returned in late April of that year, a little less than 10 months after his ’21 season ended with the knee injury.

“When he comes back, we want him to be able to go,” Snitker said. “We’re going to make sure he is ready to go when we do turn him loose.”

Once Acu?a is cleared to begin cutting and playing the outfield, he will complete the final steps ahead of a Minor League rehab stint that likely would be shorter than the one Spencer Strider could begin in a couple of weeks.

Strider threw live batting practice on Friday and talked about his progress while attempting to return from the ulnar collateral brace procedure he underwent in April. If there are enough innings available, he could pitch in at least one Grapefruit League game this spring.

If all goes well for Strider, he would be in line to join Atlanta’s rotation during the second half of April.

Like Acu?a, Strider has had to be patient as he anxiously waits for the chance to get back on the field and prove he remains elite.

“God has blessed them with that ability, and they want to use it,” Snitker said.