Ronald Acuña Jr. Prepares to Return as Braves Designate Jose Azocar

Ronald Acuña Jr. is set to rejoin the Atlanta Braves on June 12, 2026, after a stint on the injured list, and the club moved quickly to clear a roster spot by designating reliever Jose Azocar for assignment.

The Braves needed to add Acuña back to the 40‑man roster before his activation deadline. With only 13 days left on the IL, Atlanta chose to remove Azocar, who had appeared in just three games since his call‑up in early May. The move frees a spot for the Venezuelan star, whose return is expected to boost the middle of the lineup and the outfield depth.

Acuña, a two‑time All‑Star and 2023 NL MVP runner‑up, will likely slot back into left field, pushing out a bench player and giving manager Brian Snitker more flexibility. His 30‑home‑run, 90‑RBI season last year helped Atlanta clinch the NL East, and his speed on the bases remains a game‑changing asset. The Braves hope his presence will spark a late‑season surge as they chase a playoff berth.

Azocar, a right‑handed reliever signed in 2022, will now clear waivers. If another team claims him, he could join a bullpen in need of depth; otherwise, he may be outrighted to Triple‑A Gwinnett. The move underscores the harsh reality of roster management: a player’s fate can shift in a matter of days when a star returns.

The Braves announced that Acuña will be activated on June 12, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. ET, ahead of the home series against the New York Mets. He is expected to start that night’s game, giving fans a chance to see his signature blend of power and speed after a 12‑week layoff.

Atlanta will likely shuffle the bench to accommodate the extra outfielder, possibly moving rookie outfielder Riley Smith to a utility role. The front office may also explore a minor‑league call‑up to keep the bullpen stocked after Azocar’s departure. With the NL East race tightening, every roster decision matters.

Acuña’s return adds a potent bat to a lineup that has struggled to score runs in the past two weeks. If he resumes his 0.300‑plus average and 30‑plus home run pace, the Braves could close the gap on the division leader. The timing aligns with a crucial stretch of games against division rivals, making his health a key factor in Atlanta’s postseason hopes.