On Friday, Acuña participated in batting practice and before warmups for the Braves’ game against the Orioles in North Port. He informed the Braves that he was ready to play, but he was not included in the starting lineup.
Later, Acuna Jr. alerted the Braves’ staff that he was feeling sore. On Friday evening, the Braves had Acuña undergo an MRI, revealing the awful truth: he has some damage to his surgically repaired right knee. An MRI detected inflammation in the meniscus of his right knee.
According to the Braves’ front office, he will travel to Los Angeles on Monday to meet with Dr. Neal ElAttrache, and we should have a more specific timeline for his return to the Braves lineup by Wednesday. All indications are that he will be ready for Opening Day against the Phillies on March 28.
Can the Braves withstand his absence?
We have high expectations for Acuna in 2024, even predicting that he will have a better year and lead the Braves to win more than their projected 101.5 games, making a legitimate bid for their fifth World Series crown. If this injury aggravates the torn ACL he had fixed in 2021, it might be the beginning of the end for the 26-year-old, who has only recently entered his peak.
The Braves already have limited outfield depth and a weak farm system. Scuba’s suspension for more than 15 days to begin the season would derail the Braves’ season.
Doctors Provide Four Possible Scenarios for Acuna’s Return.
According to doctors, there are only four possible causes for Acuna’s injury:
First, if the meniscus is not seriously torn and does not require lengthy treatment, a cortisone shot and little rehabilitation should suffice. Acuna may return to the game in 1-3 weeks. This is the best-case scenario, and we should see him on opening day against the Phillies, a significant series right off the bat.
Second, assume there is concern about a partial tear or pain in the meniscus, which causes swelling. In that situation, a nonsurgical method is used, with PRP or stem cells injected into the knee and followed by physical therapy. This would mean some missed time before he could return to the game in 4-6 weeks. It’s not fantastic, but it doesn’t significantly affect the season. It will force the Braves to play catch-up throughout the summer.
Be the first to comment