Braves Provide Injury Updates on Acuña, Strider

Ronald Acuña Jr. will not need to return to Los Angeles for another evaluation by his surgeon, Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and the decision on when he can begin his rehab assignment is now up to the Atlanta Braves. The team expects Acuña to start rehab games sometime this month, with a return to the lineup by late May appearing plausible, though no specific date has been set. The Braves are proceeding cautiously with Acuña’s recovery from knee surgery, prioritizing his long-term health, especially after his second major knee injury. Spencer Strider, meanwhile, has started a long-toss throwing program as he recovers from a hamstring injury but has not yet begun pitching off a mound or set a rehab assignment date. Both players are considered at least a few weeks away from returning, and the Braves are managing without them for now but acknowledge their importance for post-season success. Team officials and reporters agree that while fans are eager for their return, the organization is taking a measured approach to avoid setbacks.