Braves fans fired up for Ronald Acuña Jr.’s return

ATLANTA, Ga. (Atlanta News First) - Ronald Acuña Jr. will be back in Friday‘s lineup for the Atlanta Braves.

This has brought immediate energy and excitement to the entire fanbase, who’s waited nearly a year for their star outfielder’s return after he tore his left ACL.

The 27-year-old is a four-time All-Star and won the 2023 National League MVP.

Last week, Acuña looked sharp during his rehab stint with the Gwinnett Stripers. Batting .417 with one home run and a 1.465 OPS.

Atlanta is optimistic that his presence can spark their offense throughout this weekend’s three-game homestand against the San Diego Padres.

“I think it’s the base stealing man. The hype over stealing the bases, I think. He’s just all around a good player. He plays his position good; he steals bases and he’s a good hitter. He’s always full of action when he steps up to the plate,” Braves fan Billy Purgason said.

“He’s really my favorite and I love how he has a good attitude in baseball and doesn’t get mad and it’s really great because when he injured himself two times I didn’t like how he wasn’t in the season anymore but I’m super excited for him this season because now he gets to play and I hope he gets a bunch of home runs and makes people happy,” 11-year-old Braves fan Cooper Purgason said.

Greg Mize is the Braves’ vice president of marketing and innovation. He said the team is offering standing-room-only tickets for $13 as part of a celebration of number 13’s return.

“This is a big series to begin with and it’s going to be even bigger with Ronald in the lineup,” Mize said. “He is a fan favorite. People stop what they’re doing when he’s at bat.”

Fans at The Battery, such as Anthony Sostre, can’t wait to watch Acuña play Friday night.

“We’re happy to have him back,” he said. “Hoping he’s fully recovered and ready to get the team rolling with some big hits.”

Ronnie Bivings, another longtime er, shared a similar sentiment.

“I’ve been at the ballpark when he’s hit a home run,” he said. “He just brings excitement that the Braves need right now. We need him bad.”

How to watch Braves on Gray

Acuña’s return will be his season debut of games that air on Braves on Gray, including on Peachtree TV.

Gray Media will simulcast these 15 Atlanta Braves games throughout the Southeast this season.

Fans can watch the Braves on Gray by tuning into PeachtreeTV, Atlanta’s CW Network. Fans can also watch games on YouTube TV, over the air on channel 17.1 and on channel 17 on Dish Network and DirecTV and channel 7 on Xfinity and Spectrum.

If you are in another market outside of Atlanta, you can find your channel at BravesOnGray.com.