2 weeks agoThe Atlanta Braves officially placed outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) and right-hander
Spencer Strider (elbow) on the injured list, the team announced. Acuna was put on the 10-day IL, while Strider is on the 15-day IL. Additionally, infielder
Nacho Alvarez Jr. (wrist) and catcher
Sean Murphy (rib cage) were put on the 10-day IL. All the moves were backdated to March 24. Despite tearing both of his ACLs now, RotoBaller has Acuna ranked as the No. 16 fantasy outfielder in 2025. The 27-year-old former MVP and four-time All-Star is expected to make his season debut at some point in May, barring a setback once he resumes playing in games. Strider, meanwhile, is recovering from internal-brace procedure on his right elbow last April, but he's further along and is expected to make his 2025 debut in April. He was able to make two Grapefruit League starts.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: Atlanta Braves
3 weeks agoAtlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) believes that he can play better than he ever has but will change his playstyle. The former 2023 NL MVP noted that he would "rather steal 30 and play a whole year as opposed to stealing 70, injuring myself and missing a whole year." Fantasy managers should continue to monitor his status during the early part of the season as he is currently targeting a return sometime in May. Acuna suffered a torn ACL in his left knee last season but is on pace to make his 2025 debut early in the campaign. Before suffering the injury in May 2024, Acuna held a .250/.351/.365 line with four home runs and 16 stolen bases. During his 2023 MVP campaign, Acuna posted an impressive .337/.416/.596 line with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases. While he is sidelined in April,
Jarred Kelenic and
Bryan De La Cruz will split time in right field. When he does return, he will be viewed as a high-end No. 1 outfielder. However, he may be less eager to run, which could slightly limit his overall ceiling.
--Andy Smith - RotoBallerSource: Alden Gonzalez
3 weeks agoAtlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) is taking part in most baseball activities in camp but has not been cleared to play in Grapefruit League games. Acuna will embark on a minor-league rehab assignment once the 2025 regular season begins in late March, and his return should come in early- to mid-May, according to MLB.com's Mark Feinsand. The 2023 National League MVP has the ability to make a huge impact for the Braves and for fantasy managers when he makes his season debut. Acuna also won the NL Rookie of the Year award in 2018 and has made four All-Star appearances. However, he's now torn the ACL in both of his knees since 2021 and will miss at least the first month of the 2025 season. His latest ACL tear has taken him from being the consensus No. 1 overall pick in fantasy to No. 29 at RotoBaller.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Mark Feinsand
4 weeks agoAtlanta Braves outfielder
Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) still doesn't have a firm timetable on when he'll return from surgery to fix a torn ACL he suffered last year, but he has been impressing this spring with his performances in live batting practice, according to MLB.com's Mark Bowman. "He's probably as strong as he's ever been," Braves manager Brian Snitker said of the 2023 National League MVP. Acuna tore his right ACL two days before the 2021 All-Star break and tore his left ACL in late-May of 2024. It means we might not see him run as much as he did when he had a franchise-record 73 steals, but his power should remain intact after hitting impressive homers during his live BP sessions this spring. The 27-year-old has also been throwing and doing running drills, although he hasn't been cleared to cut. The Braves want to be sure that Acuna is ready to go once he makes his 2025 debut. There's more risk than ever in fantasy, but Acuna still has it in him to reach the 40-homer mark if he stays healthy.
--Keith Hernandez - RotoBallerSource: MLB.com - Mark Bowman
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