Ronald Acuña Jr. Accelerates Rehab Progress Ahead of All-Star Break

Ronald Acuña Jr. is making noticeable headway in his rehab timeline, Braves manager Walt Weiss confirmed on July 8, 2026, as the team gears up for the upcoming All-Star break. The outfielder, who missed the past month with a strained right hamstring, completed his first full batting practice session on Tuesday, signaling a potential return to the lineup before the mid‑season pause.

Weiss told reporters that Acuña completed a 45‑minute throwing program and hit 12 balls in a controlled BP drill without pain. "He's responding exactly how we hoped," Weiss said, noting the player’s mechanics looked natural and his sprint speed measured at 96% of pre‑injury levels. The manager added that the medical staff will continue to monitor his workload, aiming for a gradual re‑introduction to game action.

The Braves sit second in the NL East, trailing the Mets by two games as of July 7. Acuña’s return could restore the middle‑of‑the‑order power that’s been missing since his injury on June 12. With left‑handed reliever A.J. Minter also on the IL, the club hopes Acuña’s bat will offset the bullpen strain. "We’re not rushing him, but we need his swing in the lineup," Weiss emphasized.

The All-Star break offers a natural reset point for players coming back from injury. Acuña’s progress means the Braves could field a near‑full roster for the final stretch of the first half, a period that often determines playoff positioning. Analysts project that a healthy Acuña could add 15‑20 home runs to his season total, pushing him back into MVP conversation.

The next step involves a simulated game scenario on July 12, where Acuña will face live pitching in a controlled environment. If that goes well, Weiss expects to add him to the active roster for the July 16 series against the Cardinals, just before the All-Star festivities begin. "We’ll make the call based on how his body feels after that session," Weiss said.

Acuña’s rehab timeline mirrors his 2023 return from a similar hamstring issue, where he missed 18 games and rejoined the lineup on a short‑term rehab assignment. Back then, he posted a .312 average in his first ten games, reigniting the Braves’ offense. Fans are hopeful for a repeat performance this season.

Shortstop Orlando Arcia praised Acuña’s work ethic, noting, "He’s been in the gym every day, pushing himself. The energy he brings is contagious." Pitcher Max Fried added that having Acuña back would give the lineup a "big swing" that could open up more run‑support for the rotation.

If Acuña returns before the break, his recent surge could boost his fan vote tally, keeping him in contention for the NL starting outfielder spot. The voting deadline falls on July 13, giving him a narrow window to make an impression.

Acuña’s rehab is on track, and the Braves are positioning him for a timely comeback. The next few days will determine whether he can rejoin the squad before the All-Star pause, potentially reshaping Atlanta’s postseason outlook.