Some key players will be absent when the Atlanta Braves kick off the 2025 season. Fans will be eagerly awaiting the return of Spencer Strider and Ronald Acuña Jr., who will miss at least the first month of the season as they recover from significant injuries.
Both players have made remarkable progress in their recovery this spring and appear to be in good health. Strider is expected to return sometime in May, while Acuña, originally slated for a return in the latter part of the month, may rejoin the team earlier than expected, potentially in the first half of May, according to MLB insider Mark Feinsand. His return will provide a major boost to an already strong lineup. It was tough to see the former NL MVP suffer another ACL injury, but he seems to have gained valuable experience from this second recovery.
Manager Brian Snitker is clearly excited about the impending returns of these two key players. He compared it to making a trade without actually acquiring a new player, echoing the sentiment of former Braves broadcaster Chip Caray. Snitker remarked, “We’re going to make two really good trades early in the year,” adding, “We’re getting an MVP and a potential Cy Young winner back. I think everyone realizes that. Their presence in the lineup and on the team will likely have a bigger impact than anyone could have expected.”
The addition of both players to the roster will be a significant advantage. While the Braves have a rough idea of when Strider and Acuña are expected to return, Feinsand noted that general manager Alex Anthopoulos is keeping the exact details under wraps. However, sources indicated that Strider may rejoin the rotation by late April, and Acuña’s return is expected in early to mid-May.
Both players will need some time to build up their readiness before rejoining the team. Strider is likely to start a 30-day Minor League rehab assignment once the season begins, though Acuña has not yet been cleared to play in games, meaning he’ll need time in the minors as well.
These timelines seem consistent with what Braves insiders have been reporting. Snitker has made it clear that there will be no restrictions on either player’s return: “We’re not going to protect them; they’re going to be ready to go.” This is a good sign, as Atlanta will need both players fully healthy to contend for another World Series title. Any limitations would only be necessary if the team believed they weren’t fully recovered.
