RESOLVING THE LEDGER
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See the full story · 3 sourcesThe Atlanta Braves ' grip on the National League East loosened as they weathered the absence of Ronald Acuña Jr. Now, the former NL MVP is back, just as they started to flourish without him.
The Braves activated Acuña from the injured list ahead of their Monday, July 27 game at the New York Mets , ending his 38-game absence from the lineup while he recovered from a left hamstring strain.
Acuña was hurt June 9, and the Braves held a nine-game lead over the Philadelphia Phillies in the East. The Braves dropped 12 of their first 16 games without their leadoff hitter, and the Phillies cut the lead down to two games on multiple occasions.
But Atlanta has won 13 of its past 22 and steadily built its East margin back up to 5 1/2 games. The club is expected to pursue pitching upgrades and perhaps explore shortstop options as the Aug. 3 trade deadline approaches.
Acuña, 28, is batting .251 with seven homers and a .793 OPS in 53 games. The club can juggle personnel in several manners with Acuña's return, running Mike Yastrzemski, Eli White, Mauricio Dubón and Dominic Smith through left field, shortstop and DH duties. Acuña also figures to get at-bats at DH as he ramps back up.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: First-place Braves activate Ronald Acuña Jr. after 38-game absence
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