The Big Lead

Ronald Acuna Jr. launches home run on first pitch after ACL injury

The Atlanta Braves star nuked his first home run after returning to the lineup Friday night.

By Matt Reed

Atlanta Braves' Zack Short and Michael Harris II congratulate Ronald Acuna Jr. on a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates
Atlanta Braves' Zack Short and Michael Harris II congratulate Ronald Acuna Jr. on a home run against the Pittsburgh Pirates / Charles LeClaire-Imagn Images
facebooktwitter

For the first time in nearly one year, the Atlanta Braves have their biggest star back on the MLB diamond once again, and he's back to doing what fans have become used to over the years.

RELATED: MLB All-Star Game will return to historic venue after 37 years away

The Braves star returned Friday night for Atlanta after a brutal ACL injury in 2024 that kept him out for over five months last season and the first two months of 2025. His first plate appearance didn't disappoint either after launching a home run on the first pitch he received.

With the Braves playing in a highly-competitive NL East that features strong teams like the Philadelphia Phillies and New York Mets, Acuna Jr.'s return is massive for Atlanta as they look to get back to the postseason.

GET MORE TOP STORIES from The Big Lead by subscribing to TBL YouTube channel
CFB: College Football Playoff moves to 'straight seeding' format after unanimous vote
MLB: Former MVP set to return from injury Friday for Braves vs. Padres
NBA:OKC star Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives luxury gifts to Thunder teammates after MVP
SPORTS MEDIA: NFL Films releases emotional tribute video to Colts' Jim Irsay
VIRAL: Jordon Hudson shares Instagram story with her 'Old Bae' Bill Belichick

Home/MLB