Braves MVP blasts epic comeback homer after year-long absence

After months on the sidelines, Ronald Acuña Jr. made a thunderous return to the diamond with the Atlanta Braves– and he didn’t waste a second making his presence felt. In his first at-bat, on the very first pitch he saw from San Diego Padres pitcher Nick Pivetta, the Venezuelan launched a towering home run at 115.5mph and 467 feet over the left-center wall at Truist Park.

Home run return for Acuña

The crowd erupted as Acuña unleashed the signature power swing that had been missing for nearly a year. Now, he sets his sights on reclaiming top slugger status in MLB. It was his first home run since May of last year, a long-awaited return after suffering a torn ACL in his left knee that kept him out for nearly 12 months.

Earlier in the week, Acuña played a full nine innings with the Braves’ Triple-A affiliate in Gwinnett. After the game, he told reporters he was ready to return – and he proved it in spectacular fashion.

Acuña Jr. is back to reclaim his crown. The 2023 National League MVP has already cemented his place among the game’s most dangerous hitters. Just two seasons ago, he became the first player in MLB history to hit more than 40 home runs and steal over 70 bases in a single season.

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