Ronald Acuña Jr. collects hit in rehab game with Gwinnett

Ronald Acuña Jr. returned to the field on Tuesday night, collecting a hit in his rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett. The 2023 NL MVP went 1-for-4 in Gwinnett’s 7-4 loss to Iowa, marking his second straight game playing right field as he recovers from his second left hamstring strain of the season.

How did Acuña perform in his rehab game?

Acuña singled in his first at-bat but went hitless in his next three trips to the plate. He is now 2-for-9 (.222) with no extra-base hits in three games for Gwinnett this season. Last week, he hit a grand slam while serving as the designated hitter for the Rookie-level FCL Braves.

Braves manager Walt Weiss said Acuña’s return to the majors will depend on how he looks and performs in his rehab games. “We want him to hit the ground running,” Weiss said after Atlanta’s 8-3 loss to the Padres. “We don’t want him to need a week or 10 days to find his timing.”

What’s next for Acuña’s return?

There is a chance Acuña could be activated from the injured list this week. The Braves are being cautious with their star outfielder, who has been sidelined by hamstring issues this season. His rehab progress will determine when he rejoins the big league club.

Who else is on the rehab trail with Acuña?

Ha-Seong Kim, who signed a one-year, $20 million deal with the Braves this winter, also played for Gwinnett on Tuesday. Kim doubled in his first at-bat and went hitless in his other three at-bats. He has been on a rehab assignment since tearing a tendon in his right middle finger.

Andrew McCutchen, the 2012 NL MVP, joined Acuña and Kim in Gwinnett’s lineup. McCutchen went hitless in three at-bats as he tries to earn a spot on the Braves’ roster.

What roster moves could the Braves make?

With Acuña and Kim nearing returns, the Braves may need to make roster adjustments. Outfielder Brewer Hicklen, who has gone 5-for-14 since joining Atlanta’s roster, could be the odd man out. The Braves also released Kyle Farmer on Tuesday to make room for Mike Yastrzemski’s return from the injured list.

The most interesting decision will center on Kim, who has shown signs of improvement in his rehab games. The Braves could keep him or explore trade options before his rehab stint ends on August 1.