Ronald Acuña Jr. nears return after rehab progress in Florida

Ronald Acuña Jr. is closing in on a return to the Atlanta Braves lineup after completing rehab games in the Florida Coast League. The 28-year-old outfielder, who has been sidelined since June 10 with a left hamstring strain, went 0-for-6 with two strikeouts in two contests for Atlanta’s minor-league affiliate. Manager Walt Weiss confirmed Acuña’s progress, suggesting he could rejoin the team during their homestand against the Rangers starting Friday, July 18, 2026.

What happened during Acuña’s rehab?

Acuña played five innings in right field during his first rehab game, marking a key step in his recovery. The Braves have taken a cautious approach, bringing him along slowly to avoid another setback. He’s expected to play a few more games in the Florida Coast League before making his way back to the majors. Weiss noted that Acuña’s latest hamstring injury isn’t as severe as the one that kept him out for nearly three weeks in May.

Why this matters for the Braves

Acuña’s return would be a major boost for Atlanta, who have missed his offensive firepower and defensive presence in right field. The 28-year-old fantasy superstar was diagnosed with a Grade 1 strain last week, and while there’s no official timetable, the Braves are optimistic he’ll be back before the end of July. The team has no incentive to rush him, especially with the All-Star break providing a natural pause in the schedule.

What comes next for Acuña?

The Braves will continue monitoring Acuña’s progress in the minors before making a final decision on his return. If all goes well, he could be back in the lineup as early as next week. Meanwhile, teammate Ha-Seong Kim is also on a rehab assignment, recovering from a finger injury. Both players are expected to play multiple games in the complex league this week while the rest of the team enjoys the All-Star break.