Atlanta Braves star and former National League MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. made his return to the lineup for the first time in nearly a year on Friday night from a torn ACL, and he made sure to make his first at-bat of the season count.
On the first pitch he saw from San Diego Padres starter Nick Pivetta, Acuna turned on a 93 mile-per-hour four-seam fastball and blasted a 467-foot home run to left center. The ball exited at 115.5 miles per hour, making the home run the second-longest and third-hardest hit first-pitch leadoff home run since 2015, according to MLB reporter Sarah Langs.
The home run sent the Truist Park crowd into an absolute frenzy.
HE IS BACK.
— MLB (@MLB) May 23, 2025
Ronald Acuña Jr. homers on the first pitch he sees! pic.twitter.com/LZgwO3b8kZ
The Braves are hoping the return of Acuna to the lineup will spark Atlanta's offense as the calendar hits late May. Entering Friday, the Braves are 24-25 on the season, 7.5 games out of first place in the National League East.
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This article was originally published on www.si.com as Braves Star Ronald Acuna Blasts Home Run in First Plate Appearance in Nearly a Year.
