The news is official and it’s electrifying: Atlanta Braves superstar Ronald Acuña Jr. is back on the field, turning his winter league return into a major statement.
The “photo” and “message” are circulating from his debut with the Tiburones de La Guaira in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) on Friday, November 28, 2025. This is more than just warmups; it’s a defiant warning to the rest of Major League Baseball that Acuña is ready to fly again after an injury-plagued 2025 MLB season.
The Debut: Acuña’s First Night in Venezuela
The most incredible detail of his return was the immediate, superstar treatment he received:
- The Intentional Walk: Rival manager Ozzie Guillén (managing the Tigres de Aragua) gave Acuña an intentional walk to start the game, a move he publicly stated was a gesture of respect and a desire to “treat Acuña Jr. like (Shohei) Ohtani.”
- Acuña’s Response: Acuña responded by not staying put. Later in the game, after receiving another intentional walk, he immediately stole second base, putting himself in scoring position and eventually scoring the first run of the game in an 11-0 rout.
This is the “color and fire” that fans are celebrating: Acuña’s presence alone dictates the opponent’s strategy, and his elite speed remains a weapon despite his recent injury history.
The Reason for His Return
While Acuña’s 2025 MLB season was strong when he played (a .290 AVG, 21 HR, and a .935 OPS in 95 games), it was disrupted by an Achilles tendon injury and his continuing recovery from the ACL tear he suffered in 2024.
His participation in the LVBP, for which he received full clearance from the Braves, serves two crucial purposes:
- Regaining Rhythm: It allows him to get crucial, full-speed game reps and plate appearances he missed during the regular MLB season.
- 2026 World Baseball Classic (WBC): Acuña has affirmed his commitment to play for Venezuela in the 2026 WBC in March, and this LVBP stint will serve as his primary preparation for the tournament.
By getting this action, Acuña is setting himself up for his first normal, healthy offseason and Spring Training in years, which bodes well for a massive performance in 2026 for the Braves.
