Baseball

Ronald Acuña Jr. Returns as DH in Game 2 Against Marlins

by
Richard Hayes
May 19, 2026

The atmosphere surrounding the Braves is tense, as injuries have plagued the roster once again. It seems the baseball gods have conspired to keep Atlanta from fielding a fully healthy team for an extended period. This season has been marked by a revolving door of players on the injured list, and the latest updates only add to the uncertainty.

In a glimmer of good news, Ronald Acuña Jr. has been activated and is set to return to the lineup as the designated hitter. He will reclaim his leadoff spot, while José Azócar will take over right field and bat seventh. Acuña’s presence is a welcomed boost for a team in need of stability.

However, not all news is positive. The Braves must contend with the fallout from Drake Baldwin’s oblique strain, which has resulted in the recall of Chadwick Tromp from Triple-A. The team is navigating a challenging situation, with several roster moves made to address recent struggles, including the release of Aaron Bummer following a disappointing performance.

As the Braves prepare for their matchup against the Marlins, they are hoping for continued improvement from players like Mike Yastrzemski and Austin Riley. The humid conditions in Atlanta could play to their advantage, but first, they must focus on the three remaining games in Miami.

Tonight’s challenge lies in facing Braxton Garrett, who struggled in his last outing, allowing five earned runs in just 1.1 innings. Ozzie Albies has been a standout against Garrett, boasting a 4-for-5 record and an impressive OPS of 2.033 against him. However, the Braves’ heavy hitters, Matt Olson and Austin Riley, have yet to find success against Garrett, both going hitless in their previous at-bats.

The Marlins have adjusted their lineup to face the left-handed pitcher, bringing in new faces such as Heriberto Hernández, Christopher Morel, Esteury Ruiz, and Leo Jiménez. Both Morel and Ruiz have recorded hits against Pérez, adding another layer of intrigue to the matchup.

With a peculiar 4:10 PM first pitch on the horizon, all eyes will be on the field as the Braves look to overcome their injury woes and secure a much-needed win.

Note: This recap is an independently written summary based on publicly available reporting.

Richard Hayes

Richard Hayes is the go-to writer for all things soccer at 21Sports.com. His international perspective and in-depth knowledge of the game have made him a trusted voice in the industry. Richard’s experience covering major leagues around the world allows him to offer unique insights that resonate with both casual fans and die-hard enthusiasts. When not covering matches, Richard enjoys coaching youth soccer in his community.