Braves Activate Ronald Acuña Jr. - MLB Trade Rumors

What the report says

MLB Trade Rumors reported that the Atlanta Braves reinstated outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. from the 10-day injured list on July 27, 2026, after he had been sidelined since early June with a hamstring strain. The outlet said ESPN’s Buster Olney had reported the move shortly before the club announced it. To clear a roster spot, Atlanta optioned outfielder Brewer Hicklen to Triple-A Gwinnett.

According to MLB Trade Rumors, this was Acuña’s second injured-list stint of the season caused by hamstring trouble. He missed a little more than two weeks the first time, then had symptoms return about three weeks after coming back, prompting the Braves to handle the latest absence more carefully. The report noted that while Acuña has not matched his usual elite level in 2026, he has still produced above-average offensive numbers, including a .251/.373/.421 line, seven home runs and 15 stolen bases in 22 attempts.

His return is significant for an Atlanta lineup that struggled overall while he was out. MLB Trade Rumors cited the Braves’ .236/.303/.392 team batting line since Acuña went on the injured list, with a 90 wRC+ that ranked near the bottom of the majors. The outlet said manager Walt Weiss now has more flexibility, including possible platoon options involving Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón, while Dubón could also see time at shortstop.

The move comes as the trade deadline approaches. MLB Trade Rumors noted that president of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos has discussed interest in starting pitching, another bat and bullpen help, meaning Acuña’s activation may not end Atlanta’s search for roster upgrades.