SAN ANTONIO — Braves star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. and pitcher Spencer Strider are not expected to recover from injuries in time for Atlanta’s season opener at San Diego on March 27.
Acuña, the 2023 NL MVP, tore his left ACL on May 26 and the 26-year-old slugger had surgery on June 6.
Strider, a 26-year-old right-hander, underwent surgery April 12 to repair his throwing elbow. Strider underwent Tommy John surgery in 2019 and said the latest procedure used an internal brace.
“I think with both guys, I don’t think it’s an important moment, but I think we’re convinced that Opening Day is not realistic for them,” the Braves general manager said. , Alex Anthopoulos, to journalists during general managers meetings. “I think, look, once we get to spring, early February, you’ll have a much better idea of the timelines. We predict they won’t make the Opening Day team, and how soon after that we’ll know more as we move forward in the offseason.
