Braves’ Ronald Acuna Jr. Blasts 467-Foot Homer in Epic Return from ACL Injury
Sarah Johnson
May 24, 2025
Brief
Ronald Acuna Jr. smashes a 467-foot homer in his return from an ACL injury, but the Braves fall 2-1 to the Padres.
Atlanta Braves’ star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. made a jaw-dropping return from an ACL injury, launching a 467-foot solo home run on the very first pitch he faced from San Diego Padres’ Nick Pivetta. The 2023 NL MVP, back in action at Truist Park, showed no signs of rust, though the Braves fell 2-1 in a tight contest Friday night.
Acuna’s blast was a statement, a reminder of his electrifying presence. “I had a feeling something special was coming,” he said, reflecting on the months of grueling rehab that fueled his comeback. But the Braves’ offense couldn’t capitalize, stifled by Pivetta’s six innings of four-hit, seven-strikeout dominance.
The game’s turning point came in the ninth, when Padres’ Manny Machado smashed a go-ahead solo homer off Raisel Iglesias, sealing the Braves’ fate. Now sitting at 24-26 after a brutal 0-7 start, Atlanta is banking on Acuna’s return to ignite a postseason push.
“He’s the kind of player where you don’t dare step away for a snack—you might miss something epic,” Braves manager Brian Snitker quipped. Teammate Austin Riley echoed the sentiment: “Ronald at the top of the lineup changes everything. His energy is contagious.”
The Braves and Padres face off again Saturday at 4:10 p.m. ET, with Atlanta hoping Acuna’s spark can light up their season.
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Editor's Comments
Acuna’s 467-foot homer was like a rocket launch—too bad the Braves’ offense forgot to pack the fuel! Meanwhile, Machado’s late heroics remind us: in baseball, one swing can steal the show. Why did Acuna’s bat go to therapy? It had too many 'deep cuts' from that ACL recovery!
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