Walt Weiss Announces Ronald Acuna Jr. Decision After 10 Missed Braves Games

The Atlanta Braves have emerged as a top World Series contender throughout the early portion of the 2026 MLB season. Entering Friday with the best record in baseball at 30-14, Atlanta has been able to maintain consistent offensive production despite playing much of the season without superstar outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr.

The 28-year-old five-time All-Star and former National League MVP has continued to progress through his recovery after he was placed on the 10-day IL on May 3 with a hamstring injury. Acuña Jr. has since returned to baseball activities, but the organization is exercising caution and evaluating when the star outfielder will be ready to return to the lineup.

Braves radio host Barrett Sallee shared that manager Walt Weiss stated Acuña Jr. will likely return to the lineup once he is able to fully return defensively in the outfield. However, Weiss also appeared to leave some uncertainty and did not provide a clear timetable for his return.

"Braves manager Walt Weiss says that OF Ronald Acuña Jr. will likely be activated when he's able to play in the field. However, he also says ‘don't hold me to that,'" Sallee posted on X.

Braves manager Walt Weiss says that OF Ronald Acuña Jr. will likely be activated when he's able to play in the field. However, he also says "don't hold me to that."

— Barrett Sallee (@BarrettSallee) May 15, 2026

Prior to the injury, which has caused him to miss 10 straight games ahead of Friday's matchup against the Boston Red Sox, Acuña Jr. was having a challenging season. Struggling to produce at his former MVP level, Acuña Jr. enters Friday hitting .252 with an OPS of .740, well below his career batting average of .288.

Despite Acuña Jr.'s absence and sluggish start to the season, Atlanta has remained a dominant offensive team, leading the Major Leagues in both team batting average and total runs scored.

As Atlanta enters a three-game home series against the Red Sox on Friday, the club remains patient and will continue to prioritize the long-term health of its former MVP.

Related: Ronald Acuña Jr. Injury Update: Walt Weiss Makes Announcement Before Cubs Game

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This story was originally published May 15, 2026 at 3:30 PM.