The Braves got encouraging news on Ronald Acuña Jr., but they’re not rushing Robert Suarez back.
Ahead of Tuesday’s series opener against the Pirates, Mark Bowman reported that Acuña is nearing a return and could start a rehab assignment as soon as next week. That would put him on track to rejoin the Braves lineup shortly after the All-Star break.
Suarez, though, is on a slower path. Walt Weiss said the team plans to be cautious with the reliever after elbow inflammation, and he won’t be ready immediately after the break. The hope, according to Bowman, is that Suarez could be back a week or two later.
Weiss said Ronald Acuña Jr. could begin his rehab assignment next week. As for Robert Suarez, the Braves are taking it slow with him.
He won’t be ready immediately after the break. But maybe a week or two later.
Acuña’s absence has been felt even with the offense showing a little more life over the past week. His return would give Atlanta a major upgrade in right field and could also let Mauricio Dubon move back into the everyday shortstop spot if needed. Given what the Braves have gotten from Ha-Seong Kim and Jorge Mateo, that’s a move they’d likely welcome quickly.
With Suarez, the conservative approach fits the situation. Elbow issues are not something to play around with, and the Braves have reason to protect a pitcher who has been outstanding in his first season with the club. In 31 appearances, Suarez has posted a 0.56 ERA.
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