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Ronald Acuña Jr. not back, Jorge Mateo gets rare start in Braves’ opener at Orioles

The Atlanta Braves have officially activated star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. from the injured list following a lengthy absence.

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The brief

This move allows the player to return to a team that currently leads the NL East. To facilitate Acuña's return to the active roster, the Braves have opted to send Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A. Acuña was activated just before the team's scheduled opener against the Mets. This activation follows a period of uncertainty regarding his exact return date during the previous week's series against the Orioles. Multiple outlets have tracked the timeline of this return. USA Today notes that Acuña missed a total of 38 games, while Yahoo Sports reports he was absent for almost seven weeks due to a left hamstring strain.

According to MLB.com and ESPN, there were various reports and sources suggesting a Monday return. Earlier coverage from CBS Sports and Battery Power highlighted the anticipation of his return during the Baltimore Orioles series, where Jorge Mateo received a rare start in the opening game because Acuña was not yet available. Context for this return includes a series of minor setbacks and rehab adjustments. Coverage from NBC Sports and MLB.com indicated that Acuña's return was delayed at one point, during which time he remained on a rehab assignment. Yahoo Sports mentioned a minor injury scare during a minor league game, though subsequent reporting confirmed he was cleared for a potential Orioles game. This period of rehabilitation also coincided with other roster movements, such as Murphy beginning a rehab assignment as noted by MLB.com.

Attention now shifts to how the Braves will integrate Acuña back into the lineup. Yahoo Sports has raised questions regarding the appropriate amount of playing time Acuña should receive during his first week back from the hamstring injury. The team is focused on maintaining its first-place standing in the NL East as they transition from the temporary solutions, such as Jorge Mateo's rare starts, back to their primary roster. Coverage will likely monitor his immediate performance and physical durability in the game against the Mets.

Synthesized by PULSE from the headlines below under a strict no-invention contract. ✓ fact-checked: unsupported claims removed (94% supported) Updated 43d ago.

Quick answers

Why was Ronald Acuña Jr. on the injured list?

He was sidelined with a left hamstring strain.

How many games did Acuña miss during his absence?

According to USA Today, he missed 38 games, which Yahoo Sports describes as almost seven weeks.

What roster move was made to activate Acuña?

The Braves optioned Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A to make room for Acuña on the active roster.

Coverage (27)

Topics

Ronald Acuña Jr. Atlanta Braves MLB NL East

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