Brian Snitker acknowledges just how much Braves need Ronald Acuña Jr. right now

Atlanta Braves manager Brian Snitker cannot wait for Ronald Acuña Jr. to return to the field.

The sooner Brian Snitker and the Atlanta Braves can get Ronald Acuña Jr. back, the better.

Though Atlanta was able to win its first World Series title in 26 years without him, Acuña’s absence has been felt in a rocky first two weeks for the defending champions. While it is way too early to panic about a 7-10 start, Atlanta needs to get its most talented player back in the lineup stat. Acuña is slated to return by May 6, possibly even sooner. Snitker cannot wait for that day.

“That will be a big boost for us,” said Snitker to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman. “When he comes back, our lineup is going to get longer and we’re going to slot some guys in some better places. Hopefully, that rehab continues to go well and we get him back and who knows what might happen?”

This is not just about Acuña’s power bat atop the lineup, but the threat he provides on the base paths and the much-needed boost Atlanta needs in its utterly toothless outfield defensively.

Atlanta Braves: Ronald Acuña Jr.’s triumphant return cannot get here any sooner

While Acuña’s projected return date is less than two weeks out, the Braves need to do a better job of treading water before their best player’s May 6 reinsertion. Though it remains to be seen what type of impact he will have upon his arrival to the big-league club, the talented outfielder seems to be having an absolute blast playing ball again during his rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett.

“He’s all over the place, getting after it and really having a ball,” said Snitker. “[This] week will be big, because I think he’s scheduled to play lengthy defensive games in like three out of four games. At the end of the week, I think we’ll have a really good read on where his body is.”

Though Atlanta was able to run the gauntlet in October after catching fire in the latter third of the season a year ago, it would be just so lovely if the Braves could get back to playing above .500 baseball during the summer months. It’s been a minute, gang! Ultimately, repeating is going to be so hard, but the Braves have the talent to put forth their best effort for a serious title defense.

As Justin Timberlake once said, it’s gonna be May before you know it, as Acuña will be returning.