Unlikely for Braves' Ronald Acuna and Spencer Strider to be prepared for the Opening Day of 2025
The Atlanta Braves' top players, Ronald Acuna Jr. and pitcher Spencer Strider, are not expected to receive medical clearance in time for Opening Day in 2025.
According to Braves general manager Alex Anthopoulos, both players are still recovering from surgeries that ended their 2024 season.
Acuna, who is 26 years old, suffered a torn ACL on May 26, while Strider underwent elbow surgery after only two starts in the 2024 season.
The Braves will kick off their 2025 regular season with a series against the San Diego Padres on March 27.
Anthopoulos stated, \"I don't think it's going to be a significant amount of time for either player, but we are confident that they will not be ready for Opening Day. Once we reach spring training in February, we will have a better understanding of their timelines. We are currently planning for them to not be on the Opening Day roster, and we will have a better idea of their return as the offseason progresses.\"
Prior to his injury, Acuna had a batting average of .250 and four home runs in just 49 games. In 2023, he was named MVP after hitting .337 with 41 home runs and 73 stolen bases.
Strider, who is also 26 years old, had an impressive All-Star season in 2023 with a record of 20-5 and an ERA of 3.86.
