Ronald Acuña Jr. Set to Begin Rehab Assignment During All-Star Break
**Ronald Acuña Jr. will likely start a Minor League rehab assignment during the All‑Star break, the Braves announced on 9 Jun, as the 2023 NL MVP continues recovery from a left‑hamstring strain.**
The right‑fielder strained his left hamstring on 9 Jun, ending a stretch where he hit .251 with seven homers, 15 steals and a .793 OPS in 53 games. That injury followed an earlier strain on 2 May, a brief return on 19 May, and a second aggravation that sent him to the injured list again. Manager Walt Weiss said the timing aligns with the All‑Star pause, giving Acuña a chance to face live pitching without the pressure of a regular‑season game.
When Acuña went down, the Braves’ record slipped from 45‑21 to 7‑16 over the next 23 games. Weiss noted the lineup loses a right‑handed bat that “creates a trickle‑down effect” for the hitters behind him. Even at a modest .251 average, his presence forces pitchers to respect the top of the order, opening opportunities for the middle and lower spots.
The club also confirmed that setup man Robert Suarez, who posted a 0.56 ERA in 31 appearances, remains sidelined with right elbow inflammation. Initial hopes of a post‑All‑Star return faded when medical staff refused clearance to throw. Suarez’s earliest comeback could be a week or two after regular season play resumes, leaving a gap in Atlanta’s late‑inning strategy.
Weiss hinted that a successful rehab stint could fast‑track Acuña back to the majors, but no exact timeline was given. The plan is to let him face minor‑league competition during the break, then reassess his health before the Braves’ schedule picks up again. The goal is to have the star outfielder ready for the final stretch of the season, where his speed and power could be decisive.
Atlanta sits near the top of the NL East, and every win matters as the postseason approaches. Acuña’s speed on the bases and ability to drive runs from the leadoff spot can swing close games. Likewise, Suarez’s reliability in the eighth inning has been a cornerstone of the Braves’ bullpen success. Their combined absences create a noticeable dip in performance, underscoring the urgency of getting both players back.
The organization will monitor Acuña’s progress daily, with the minor‑league assignment slated for the All‑Star window. If he shows readiness, Weiss expects a prompt promotion. Meanwhile, the front office may explore short‑term bullpen options to cover Suarez’s void, perhaps calling up a reliever from Triple‑A Gwinnett.
The coming weeks will reveal whether Atlanta can bridge the gap until its two stars return, and whether the rehab stint will indeed spark Acuña’s comeback in time to influence the playoff picture.