3 Braves players that surprisingly benefit from delayed MLB season

Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr. could benefit from delayed Opening Day

Acuña is rehabbing from a torn ACL, and while he’s been seen in viral batting practice videos of late, he’s still a few months away. A conservative approach would have Acuña return sometime in May, and that’s likely what the Braves will do, especially if they’re ahead in the NL East. The following is from David O’Brien of The Athletic, who predicts Acuña will play some DH amid his return:

"“Acuña spent the offseason rehabbing from July surgery for a torn ACL in his right knee, and is expected to be ready by May and perhaps sooner. He will likely be used as DH occasionally to give his legs a rest, particularly if he ends up playing more center field than the Braves would prefer. Having the DH could also allow Snitker to give his infielders an occasional rest while keeping them in the lineup, since they all prefer to play every day and almost did in 2021 — Austin Riley and Dansby Swanson each played 160 of 161 team games, Freeman played 159 and Ozzie Albies 156.”"

While Freeman is the face of the Braves franchise right now, Acuña is no doubt the future. He’s signed through 2028, so the Braves want to ensure they’re not risking a future without their greatest asset. Before he was injured, Acuña was an NL MVP candidate, and the Braves can expect that sort of production when he returns.

Atlanta’s outfield is lacking, so expect them to make some small moves in free agency to fill the void while Acuña is out. An optimistic approach would have Acuña return by June, and play out the majority of the remaining season and be full strength by the playoffs.

If the season is truly delayed through all of April, per say, then Acuña would miss far less time than had Opening Day happened as originally scheduled. It’s a small victory for Braves fans for now.