Atlanta Braves Face Decision After Activating Ronald Acuña Jr.

He’s back. The Atlanta Braves activated Ronald Acuña Jr. from the injured list on Monday, clearing the way for the former National League MVP to return to the lineup in time for the team’s series opener against the New York Mets.

Acuña has not played for Atlanta since June 9 due to a hamstring strain. It’s the second time this season that the star slugger has dealt with a hamstring injury in his left leg. Saturday, Acuña played in game one of a doubleheader for Triple-A Gwinnett, where he has been since July 17 on his latest rehab assignment, going 1-3 with a walk and a strikeout. More importantly, Acuña played the entire game in right field.

“I’m feeling much better, way better than before,” Acuña told reporters on Sunday. “I’m ready to go.”

The Braves are certainly hoping that is the case. Between his two stints on the IL this year, Acuña is hitting .251 with a .793 OPS, seven home runs and 15 stolen bases. Since losing Acuña to the IL this time, a platoon of Braves’ right fielders have actually outperformed some of those numbers with a combined .267 average and .832 OPS with six home runs in those 38 games without their superstar player.

However, it’s known that a healthy version of Acuña for an extended period is far better than what he’s produced so far this season. Not to mention his mere presence in the lineup is a factor. This year, Atlanta is 37-16 with Acuña and 25-27 without him.

The Braves’ plan is to play Acuña in right field on a regular basis. They still could use him at DH as manager Walt Weiss sees fit, but utilizing Acuña primarily in the outfield allows the club to continue splitting time with Drake Baldwin at catcher and DH. Also, Sean Murphy began a rehab assignment with Gwinnett on July 24. When he returns, Baldwin’s flexibility will allow the club to get at bats for Murphy, who has been on the IL since May 12 with a broken finger.

What remains to be seen is where Acuña will hit in the lineup. Used primarily in the leadoff spot throughout his career, Acuña could move down because of the success Drake Baldwin has experienced at the top of the order, hitting .307 with a 1.007 OPS and nine home runs. This is a real decision the team faces upon reinstating their superstar outfielder.

Regardless of when he hits, the Mets could be the perfect team for Acuña to face in his return. In 93 career games, Acuña has terrified his N.L. East rivals slashing .301/.398/.519 with 41 extra base hits, including 18 home runs. Furthermore, lifetime at Citi Field, Acuña is hitting .289 with nine home runs, tied for the second most homers he’s hit in any visiting Major League stadium. The Braves and Mets open a three-game series at Citi Field on Monday at 7:10 ET.