Ronald Acuña Jr. sets off fireworks in the first rehab game [Video]

Atlanta Braves fans are awaiting the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. and the superstar outfielder is causing a stir in just his first Triple-A rehab game.

Especially after a 5-7 start to the 2022 season in their World Series title defense, the Atlanta Braves are eagerly awaiting the return of superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. after the sensational young talent tore his cruciate ligament in the middle of last year. And on Tuesday night, Acuña made a big step forward.

His first rehab start for the Gwinnett Stripers in triple-A ball, Acuña’s first at-bat since his injury, resulted in a flyout to midfield. He caught a little more of the ball coming to the plate for the second time that night.

Acuña, as always comfortable in the box, tattooed a ball into midfield on his second plate appearance and was inches from a home run. Maybe even better for Braves fans, but they could see him stepping easily for a double and looking like the knee injury didn’t affect him much.

Ronald Acuña Jr. laces up near homer in triple-A in second rehab for Braves

Although Matt Olson got off to a hot start when he stepped into Freddie Freeman’s footsteps and position, the Braves had a less-than-stellar start to the 2022 campaign overall.

Pitching in particular was a problem for Atlanta, as the back end of the rotation and bullpen were issues. While Acuña’s return won’t help with any of this, the truth of the matter is that it’s a lot easier to win baseball games when the offense is able to put big numbers on the scoreboard.

With the way Olson, Ozzie Albies and a few others are hitting the road earlier in the year, the return of Acuña — especially if he already looks like it — could plunge the Braves back into the competition.