Ronald Acuña Jr. made his return to Major League Baseball on Friday night after 362 days away from the game. His comeback to the Atlanta Braves marks a significant moment not only for the player but also for the team, as they aim to improve their standing in the National League East. Acuña's performance in his return could signal the start of a long-awaited resurgence, particularly given his history of past excellence, which includes being named Rookie of the Year, MVP, and a four-time All-Star.

Acuña wasted no time in announcing his comeback, hitting a solo home run on the very first pitch he saw, launching the ball an impressive 467 feet into the bleachers against the San Diego Padres. This immediate impact raises expectations for his performance as the Braves look to navigate a challenging season. Despite recovering from a rough start at 0-7, the Braves hold a 24-26 record, sitting 5.5 games behind the New York Mets and 8.5 games behind the Philadelphia Phillies. The team is counting on Acuña to replicate the performance he exhibited in 2023, a season in which he led the majors with a .416 on-base percentage and became a member of the exclusive 40-70 club for home runs and stolen bases.

However, Acuña faces the difficult task of overcoming his past struggles with injuries. This is his second return from a torn ACL, and his previous recovery has shaped the narrative of his recent seasons. After his first ACL injury, his 2022 season was less than stellar, yielding a .764 OPS with 15 home runs. Additionally, Acuña's right knee had already shown signs of discomfort before the start of the 2024 season. His history raises concerns regarding his ability to regain his elite status as he navigates the pressures of performing at an elite level amidst the physical challenges he has faced. Acuña has expressed his intention to be more cautious on the basepaths, recognizing the need to balance aggression with longevity as he aims to impact the Braves positively.

While Acuña may need to adjust his running game moving forward, one cannot discount his potential at the plate. In the 2023 season, he showcased remarkable improvement, significantly reducing his strikeout rate and proving adept against both fastballs and offspeed pitches. His minor league rehab assignments indicate he may still carry that elite hitting capability as he recorded six hits in 15 at-bats, including two home runs, before rejoining the Braves. For a team whose leadoff hitters struggled with a .237 batting average before Acuña's return, his presence at the top of the lineup could be a game-changer, potentially sparking greater offensive output as the Braves look to climb the standings.

As Acuña resumes his career, he will face a different landscape in Major League Baseball than during his last peak in 2023. With emerging stars like Bobby Witt Jr., Gunnar Henderson, and Corbin Carroll challenging for the top, plus the imposing presence of Aaron Judge, Acuña's journey back to stardom is no easy task. Current projections for the remaining season hold mixed expectations for him, estimating around 22 home runs and 34 stolen bases. Yet, with Acuña in the lineup, the Braves remain hopeful that he can once again emerge as one of the league's top performers. If he can avoid further injuries and build upon his prior success, he could indeed reclaim a spot among the elite players in the league while leading Atlanta toward a playoff berth this season.