Key Takeaways
- Ronald Acuña Jr. placed on the 10‑day injured list with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain.
- Injury occurred while running to first base in Saturday’s game vs. the Colorado Rockies.
- Manager Walt Weiss says the MRI shows a mild strain and expects only a short absence.
- Right‑hander Spencer Strider activated from the IL to make his season debut after three rehab starts (12⅔ IP, 1.42 ERA, 18 K).
- Hunter Stratton optioned to Triple‑A Gwinnett to open a roster spot for Strider.
- Outfielder Jose Azocar recalled to replace Acuña on the active roster.
- Acuña has appeared in all 34 Braves games this season despite a torn ACL in May 2024.
- 2023 NL MVP is batting .252 with 2 HR, 9 RBI, 17 runs, 7 SB; .381 over his last six games.
On Sunday, the Atlanta Braves announced that outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has been placed on the 10‑day injured list after sustaining a strained left hamstring. The move came a day after Acuña exited Saturday night’s contest against the Colorado Rockies in the second inning, pulling up midway down the first‑base line while attempting to leg out a ground ball. The team said the decision was precautionary, aiming to prevent a more serious issue.
Acuña described feeling a sharp pull in his hamstring as he tried to accelerate out of the batter’s box. He immediately grabbed at the back of his left thigh and remained on the field for a few moments before walking off. The Braves’ training staff evaluated him on site and determined that further imaging was warranted.
An MRI performed later that evening revealed a Grade 1 strain, the least severe classification of muscle injury. Manager Walt Weiss told reporters that, while the injury is unfortunate, “all things considered it could have been a lot worse.” He added that the club expects Acuña to miss only a short stretch and that the rehabilitation plan will focus on restoring flexibility and strength before a gradual return to baseball activities.
This setback comes despite Acuña’s remarkable durability this season. After tearing his ACL in May 2024—a injury that limited him to just 144 games over the previous two campaigns—the 28‑year‑old has appeared in every one of Atlanta’s 34 games in 2025. His ability to stay on the field has been a key factor in the Braves’ early‑season surge, allowing the club to maintain its position atop the NL East.
Statistically, Acuña is batting .252 with two home runs, nine runs batted in, 17 runs scored and a team‑high seven stolen bases. Over his last six contests he has been especially hot, posting a .381 average that has helped fuel Atlanta’s offense. His combination of speed at the top of the order and occasional power continues to make him a pivotal piece of the Braves’ lineup.
To accommodate Acuña’s absence, the Braves activated right‑hander Spencer Strider from the injured list, clearing the way for his season debut in Sunday’s game versus the Rockies. Strider had been sidelined with a Grade 1 oblique strain and used the interim period for three rehabilitation assignments. In those rehab outings he tossed 12⅔ innings, struck out 18 batters and posted a microscopic 1.42 ERA, indicating he is ready to contribute at the major‑league level.
Correspondingly, right‑hander Hunter Stratton was optioned to Triple‑A Gwinnett to create the necessary roster spot for Strider’s return. Stratton, who had been used primarily in relief appearances, will continue to work on his command and secondary pitches in the minors while the Braves monitor his progress for a potential future recall.
To replace Acuña in the outfield, the club recalled outfielder Jose Azocar from Triple‑A Gwinnett. Azocar, known for his defensive versatility and occasional burst of speed, will provide depth while Acuña undergoes treatment. The Braves have expressed confidence that Azocar can handle regular‑play duties in the short term without sacrificing too much offensive production.
Looking ahead, the Braves will monitor Acuña’s hamstring closely, with the expectation that a Grade 1 strain typically resolves within one to two weeks if managed conservatively. Meanwhile, Strider’s debut offers a boost to the rotation, and the organization hopes that the combination of a healthy pitching staff and a swiftly returning Acuña will keep Atlanta’s momentum going as the season progresses.