The Atlanta Braves received encouraging news at the start of the All-Star break, as two key players officially took the next step toward returning to the major league roster. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim have both been assigned to the Florida Complex League (FCL) Braves in North Port, Florida, where they are scheduled to begin their rehab assignments on Monday. Their progress over the coming days will be closely monitored as Atlanta hopes to get both players healthy for the second half of the season.
Both Acuña and Kim are expected to suit up in North Port on Monday, with first pitch set for noon EDT.
Acuña is continuing his recovery from the left hamstring strain he suffered a little more than a month ago during a game in Chicago. Kim, meanwhile, is working his way back after undergoing offseason surgery to repair another injury to his right middle finger.
The move follows comments made last week by Braves manager Walt Weiss, who indicated that Acuña was likely to begin a rehab assignment sometime this week.
While both players have now officially started that process, there is still no confirmed timetable for when either will rejoin Atlanta. MLB rules allow position players to remain on rehab assignments for up to 20 days, giving the Braves flexibility to ease them back into game action. They are expected to spend at least several games in the Florida Complex League before potentially moving up to one of the organization’s higher-level affiliates.
With Triple-A Gwinnett not returning home until next Monday, Rome could become the next stop beginning Friday. Another possibility is Columbus before eventually joining Gwinnett, although the Braves have not announced any specific plans.
The timing also coincides with the start of the MLB All-Star break, as both the major and most minor league schedules are paused until Friday. Rookie-level leagues, however, continue playing throughout the week, allowing Acuña and Kim to begin their recoveries without interruption.
Before suffering his hamstring injury, Acuña had finally begun looking like his usual dynamic self after an inconsistent stretch earlier in the season. Over his final 11 games before landing on the injured list, he hit .316 with a remarkable 1.195 OPS while adding five home runs, 10 RBIs and seven stolen bases.
Kim’s season has been much more difficult. He has managed just five hits across 82 plate appearances, and his struggles eventually led the Braves to reduce his playing time.
Now, the rehab assignment offers Kim an opportunity to regain confidence and rediscover his swing in a lower-pressure setting. Atlanta will likely prioritize giving him consistent at-bats and enough time to work through his struggles rather than rushing him back to the major league club.
For the Braves, the return of Acuña and a potentially rejuvenated Kim could provide an important boost as they prepare for the stretch run following the All-Star break.