Friday afternoon, we obtained additional clarification on the damage standing of two of the most important stars for the Atlanta Braves. Whereas a whole lot of this information might not be notably shocking, it’s nonetheless encouraging to get a greater concept of the place each Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider are at with regards to their respective roads to restoration.
In relation to Strider, Alex Anthopoulos knowledgeable the media that Strider is presently scheduled to pitch in video games throughout spring coaching. Strider threw a bullpen as we speak and this was after he pitched a session earlier this week on Tuesday.
Despite the fact that Alex Anthopoulos did state that Strider continues to be anticipated to begin the season on the IL, AA did point out that they want to see Strider pitch in a spring coaching recreation earlier than Opening Day rolls round. Relying on how early Strider can get into spring motion, that’ll in all probability decide how a lot of the season that he’ll spend on the IL earlier than returning.
Clearly I believe everyone would really like Strider to return again as quickly as doable however I believe everyone concerned is aware of that it is a very delicate state of affairs with regards to managing his return. Both method, I’d say that it looks like Strider’s positively persevering with to maneuver in the fitting course so far as his eventual return is worried.
In relation to Acuña, Anthopoulos continued to re-iterate that Acuña will even begin the season on the IL and on high of that, he received’t be taking part in in any spring video games. In lieu of spring recreation motion, Acuña’s going to get his work finished on the again fields.
#Braves GM Alex Anthopoulos confirmed Ronald Acuña Jr. & Spencer Strider will not be on the Opening Day Roster. Acuña won’t play in Grapefruit League video games and as an alternative get AB’s and work on the again fields. AA mentioned they hope to have Strider pitch in a recreation earlier than the top of ST.
— Grant McAuley (@grantmcauley) February 14, 2025
Ultimately Ronald Acuña Jr. spoke to the media and he made it fairly clear that he’s feeling bullish about his present stage of progress. He figures that he’s round “90-95%,” which is fairly thrilling to listen to when you think about that this isn’t his first go-around with a torn ACL — in a special knee, thoughts you, however nonetheless. Right here’s what he (himself) needed to say to the media, with this report particularly coming from Courtney Martinez of WSB-TV:
“The precedence is I’m feeling nice. That’s a very powerful factor. Sooner or later after they inform me, it is advisable to play that day, I’ll be there,” Acuña mentioned.
Acuña is aware of what it’s prefer to restoration from ACL surgical procedure. He tore his proper ACL in 2021 and missed the Braves World Collection championship run. However he got here again in 2022 and produced a Nationwide League MVP-winning season in 2023.
The outfielder mentioned his left knee feels extra steady in comparison with the final surgical procedure. Channel 2′s Alison Mastrangelo requested Acuña if his method to base working can be totally different this season.
“Yeah, I have to take it straightforward a bit bit once I get on base,” he replied.
Nevertheless, the outfielder admitted it is going to be arduous to go towards his base-running instincts.
“It’s arduous once I get on base as a result of, for my thoughts, I simply need to go. I need to go to second. I need to go to 3rd. That’s what I do.”
All-in-all, I’d think about that the Braves might not be ready tremendous lengthy for both Acuña or Strider to return from their damage. How they’re dealt with as soon as they do make their eventual returns is a special story and I’d think about that the Braves are going to be very conservative with regards to managing their respective taking part in time. We’ll see what occurs going ahead but it surely’s nonetheless encouraging to know that each stars are persevering with to make tangible progress.
