Ronald Acuña Jr.

Ronald Acuna Jr.

Ronald José Acuña Blanco Jr. (born December 18, 1997) is a Venezuelan professional baseball outfielder for the Atlanta Braves of Major League Baseball (MLB). After signing with the Braves as an international free agent in 2014, Ronald Acuña Jr. made his MLB debut in 2018, and won the National League Rookie of the Year Award.

Since 2018, Acuña has made five MLB All-Star team appearances, won three Silver Slugger Awards, and twice led the league in stolen bases. During the 2023 season, he became the fifth MLB member of the 40–40 club, set a modern-era franchise record in stolen bases, with 73, and became the first MLB player to accomplish a 40–70 season. Acuña won the 2023 National League Most Valuable Player Award. In 2026, Acuña helped Venezuela win its first ever World Baseball Classic.

Source: Wikipedia

The first ACL injury

July 20, 2021. Right Knee
The first major blow struck on July 10, 2021, during a seemingly routine play against the Miami Marlins. Ronald Acuna Jr., in pursuit of a deep fly ball in right field, planted his left leg awkwardly after leaping near the wall. The collective gasp from the crowd was palpable as he immediately clutched his knee, his agony evident. The subsequent diagnosis confirmed the worst: a torn anterior cruciate ligament (ACL) in his right knee. This injury, occurring in the midst of a spectacular season where he was a leading MVP candidate, sent shockwaves through the Atlanta Braves organization and the wider baseball world.

The immediate aftermath was heartbreaking. Acuña’s season was over, and the Braves, despite the loss of their superstar, rallied remarkably to win the World Series later that year. For Acuña, the road to recovery began almost immediately. He underwent surgery and embarked on a rigorous rehabilitation program. The physical demands were immense, but equally challenging was the mental battle. Missing out on the team’s historic World Series run, while a source of pride, also fueled his desire to return stronger. His recovery was marked by meticulous attention to detail, working tirelessly with trainers and physical therapists to rebuild strength, flexibility, and confidence in his knee. He documented parts of his journey, showcasing the grueling exercises and the unwavering determination to get back on the field.

But the comeback wasn’t instant magic

After roughly 9–10 months, Acuña made his return on April 28, 2022.⁠
Ronald Acuna Jr. made his highly anticipated return to the Braves lineup on April 28, 2022, less than ten months after his surgery. While he initially showed flashes of his old self, the first few months were a cautious reintroduction. He eased back into stolen base attempts and some of his more aggressive defensive plays. By the second half of the 2022 season, the “old” Acuña began to re-emerge, culminating in a strong finish that hinted at the full resurgence to come. His ability to come back from such a significant injury and contribute meaningfully to the Braves’ playoff push was a testament to his dedication and the effectiveness of his rehabilitation.

The 2022 season became part of the rehab story. A bridge year.

Then came 2023.
Fully healthy and finally free again, Acuña delivered one of the greatest seasons in MLB history!
40 home runs and 70 stolen bases, earning unanimous MVP honors.

His first ACL journey wasn’t just about returning. It was about rediscovering who he was as an athlete and proving he could still be even more.

The Second ACL injury

May 26, 2024. Left Knee
Tragedy, in an almost cruel twist of fate, struck again on May 26, 2024. This time, it was his left knee. In a game against the Pittsburgh Pirates, Acuña was attempting to steal third base in the first inning. He took off, slid into the bag, and as he popped up, his knee buckled. The eerie familiarity of the scene, coupled with Acuña’s immediate reaction, sent a chilling wave through the fanbase. The diagnosis was confirmed shortly thereafter: a complete tear of the ACL in his left knee. Another season-ending injury, another long road ahead.

The emotional toll of a second ACL tear is arguably even greater than the first. The initial shock gives way to a grinding acceptance of the immense challenge ahead. For Ronald Acuna Jr., it meant revisiting the same grueling rehabilitation process, this time with the added psychological burden of having already conquered this mountain once before. Yet, true to his character, Acuña’s resolve has remained unshaken. Statements from him and the Braves organization emphasized his determination to once again return to peak form. The experience from his first recovery, while painful, provides a roadmap. He knows what to expect, the difficulties he will face, and the unwavering commitment required.

His second recovery process is currently underway, a testament to his inherent fight. While the timelines for return from an ACL injury are generally well-established (9-12 months), each individual’s journey is unique. Fans eagerly await updates on his progress, hopeful that the “El Abusador” (The Abuser, a nickname reflecting his dominance) will once again grace the baseball diamond, healthy and ready to thrill. Ronald Acuña Jr.’s story is one of immense talent intertwined with profound adversity. His dual battles with ACL tears underscore the physical demands of elite sports, but more importantly, they highlight the extraordinary resilience and mental strength required to overcome such formidable obstacles and continue to pursue greatness.

Two ACL tears. Two long rehabs. Two returns.

But what defines Ronald Acuna Jr. isn’t just the injuries. It’s the way he keeps coming back, refusing to let them define the limits of his game. The career of Ronald Acuña Jr. following his ACL injuries is a testament to the idea that elite talent combined with relentless work ethic can overcome even the most daunting physical setbacks. While many feared his explosive style would be permanently dampened, Acuña’s return has been nothing short of legendary.

The Historic 40-70 Season
The ultimate highlight of his career post-recovery came in 2023. After spending 2022 finding his footing following his first ACL tear (right knee), he delivered a season for the history books. Acuña became the founding member of the 40-70 club, blasting 41 home runs and stealing a staggering 73 bases. This unprecedented feat earned him the National League MVP title by unanimous vote, proving he hadn’t just returned—he had evolved.

Continued Dominance and the Second Comeback
Despite a second ACL tear (left knee) in May 2024, Acuña’s impact remained undeniable. His recovery and subsequent return in 2025 saw him adapt his game once more. While he adopted a more cautious approach on the basepaths to prioritize long-term health, his power stayed elite. In 2025, he earned his fifth All-Star selection and was named the NL Comeback Player of the Year, hitting 21 home runs in just 95 games.

Highlights & Awards

Read the other ACL experience stories here