The Atlanta Braves are trying to fight their way back into the postseason race, and Venezuelan-born superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. is leading the charge.
Acuña made his long-awaited return from ACL surgery on May 23. Acuña was the 2023 National League MVP when he stole 73 bases and hit 41 home runs. His game has changed since then, as he is not stealing as many bases, but he is still proving to be one of the best players in the game.
The Braves have won back-to-back series for the first time since May 18, and Acuña’s contributions have earned him World Baseball Network’s International MLB Player of the Week honors.
Acuña started off the week with a 1-for-3 day against the Milwaukee Brewers. His 404-foot home run in the fifth inning tied the game at one apiece and was the start of the Braves snapping a seven-game losing streak. Acuña went 6-for-9 in the final two games against the Brewers and hit a 416-foot home run to cap off the series.
The Braves went back to Atlanta to take on the Colorado Rockies. Acuña went 6-for-9 with a home run and three walks as the Braves won two of three against the Rockies at home.
Acuña slashed .619/.692/1.095 on the week and totaled three home runs, 13 hits, six RBIs, and five walks. He also stole his first base since tearing his ACL last season in the series opener against the Rockies.
Acuña is hitting .390 with seven home runs in 21 games since his return from the injured list. The Braves are eight games back of a wild-card spot in the National League, and if Acuña keeps playing like this, they could make a late push. There is plenty of season left to play, and it will be tough to count the Braves out with a healthy Acuña.
