The Atlanta Braves have officially activated outfielder and former MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. from the injured list, as announced by the team on Monday. In a corresponding move, outfielder Brewer Hicklen was optioned to Triple-A.

Acuña, who is 28 years old, had been sidelined since June 9 due to a hamstring injury. His performance this season has not met his usual high standards, with a batting line of .251/.373/.421 (119 OPS+) over 53 games, which includes 10 doubles, seven homers, 22 RBI, 31 runs, and 15 steals. However, the potential for Acuña to regain his form remains significant.

The Braves have experienced a resurgence after a challenging stretch. Following a dismal 9-19 record from June 9 to July 11, their once commanding 10 ½-game lead in the NL East diminished to just two games. Nonetheless, they managed to win their last game before the All-Star break and have since gone 7-3, reclaiming a 5 ½-game lead in the division.

Braves manager Walt Weiss noted the importance of their resilience, stating, "After a rough June, grinding through that and coming out the other end and still being in first place, it's going to serve us well in the long run."

Since the All-Star break, the Braves have averaged an impressive six runs per game (totaling 60 runs in 10 games), and with Acuña back in the lineup, they pose an even greater threat moving forward.