ATLANTA, GA – APRIL 12: Ronald Acuna, Jr. (13) of the Atlanta Braves hits a RBI double during the Sunday night MLB game between the Atlanta Braves and the Cleveland Guardians on April 12, 2026 at Truist Park in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by David J. Griffin/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) | Icon Sportswire via Getty Images
The Atlanta Braves have activated outfielder Ronald Acuña, Jr. ahead of tonight’s game against the New York Metropolitans. Atlanta’s star outfielder has been on the 10-IL since June 10 due to a left hamstring strain. Atlanta’s intentions of activating Acuña were initially reported by ESPN’s Buster Olney earlier today.
In a corresponding move, the Braves optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen to Gwinnett. Hicklen had been a surprising contributor for Atlanta since debuting with the team prior to the All-Star Game.
The #Braves today returned OF Ronald Acuña Jr. from his rehabilitation assignment and reinstated him from the injured list, and optioned OF Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A Gwinnett.— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 27, 2026
Acuña, Jr.’s return should bolster an offense that as rebounded after the All-Star break from a borderline disastrous June and early July. Although the 2023 National League MVP has provided only a 120 wRC+ in the 53 games he has played for Atlanta this season (the second-worst wRC+ of his career), that production level is third-highest amongst the team’s regular position players behind only 2026 All-Stars Drake Baldwin and Matt Olson.
Although Acuña, Jr. is likely to return to his position in right field, the team could also opt to give him days at designated hitter, especially in tough fielding conditions or against tough left-handed pitchers. He has battled leg-related issues this season.