Braves Activate Ronald Acuña Jr. from IL, Option Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A

The Atlanta Braves made a significant move ahead of their matchup against the New York Mets by activating outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. from the 10-day injured list. Acuña has been sidelined since June 10 due to a left hamstring strain. ESPN’s Buster Olney first reported the Braves’ intentions to reinstate their star outfielder earlier today, generating excitement among fans and teammates alike.

In a corresponding roster move, the Braves optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A Gwinnett. Hicklen had emerged as a surprising contributor since his debut with Atlanta prior to the All-Star Game, showcasing his potential during his brief time with the team.

Acuña’s return is expected to provide a much-needed boost to an offense that has shown resilience following the All-Star break, bouncing back from a challenging June and early July. Although the 2023 National League MVP has recorded a 120 wRC+ in the 53 games he has played this season—marking the second-lowest wRC+ of his career—his production ranks third among the Braves’ regular position players, trailing only 2026 All-Stars Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson.

While Acuña is anticipated to reclaim his spot in right field, the Braves may also consider utilizing him as a designated hitter on days when fielding conditions are tough or against challenging left-handed pitchers. This strategy comes as Acuña has dealt with various leg-related issues throughout the season, prompting the team to be cautious with his usage.

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