MLB Star Recovering from Knee Surgery, Eyes MVP Comeback

BARQUISIMETO, Venezuela — Ronald Acuña Jr., the Atlanta Braves‘ star outfielder, is showing significant progress in his recovery from a serious knee injury that sidelined him for much of the 2023 season. Acuña, who played only 49 games last year before being placed on the injured list, has been sharing updates on his rehabilitation journey through social media.

The 26-year-old Venezuelan is currently training at the academy of former Major League Baseball player César Izturis in Barquisimeto, his hometown. This facility has been Acuña’s go-to location for offseason preparation, though this year he was unable to participate in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) with Tiburones de La Guaira, as he had in previous seasons.

Acuña’s recovery is critical for the Braves, as he is considered a strong candidate for the National League MVP award. In 2023, he became the first player in MLB history to record 73 stolen bases and 41 home runs in a single season, earning him his first MVP title. However, his aggressive base-stealing style has raised concerns about potential injuries.

“Ronald has been working incredibly hard to get back to full strength,” said a source close to the player. “He’s focused on maintaining his physical condition to avoid future setbacks.”

Acuña’s training regimen in Venezuela is expected to prepare him for Spring Training, where he aims to return to peak performance. While his stolen base numbers may decrease as he prioritizes injury prevention, his power-hitting and defensive skills remain a cornerstone of the Braves’ lineup.

Fans and analysts alike are eager to see if Acuña can replicate his historic 2023 performance and lead the Braves to another successful season.