The Atlanta Braves could soon receive a much-needed boost as two key players officially begin the next stage of their comeback journeys. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim are both scheduled to start rehab assignments on Monday, marking an important step toward their eventual return to the major league roster.
The organization assigned both players to the Florida Complex League (FCL) Braves in North Port, Florida, where they are expected to suit up for Monday’s game. First pitch is scheduled for noon EDT, giving Braves fans their first opportunity in weeks to see the pair back in competitive action.
For Atlanta, the timing couldn’t be more significant. With the All-Star break providing a brief pause in the major league schedule, the club now has a valuable opportunity to ease both players back into game action without the pressure of rushing them into the big leagues.
Acuña has been sidelined since suffering a left hamstring strain in Chicago a little over a month ago. The injury interrupted what had become an impressive stretch after he appeared to regain the explosive form that has made him one of baseball’s most dynamic stars.
Last week, manager Walt Weiss hinted that Acuña was on track to begin a rehab assignment during the All-Star break, and Monday’s announcement confirms that timeline. While there is still no official date for his return to Atlanta, beginning the rehab process is one of the clearest signs yet that the former MVP is moving closer to rejoining the lineup.
Kim is also taking an important step forward after recovering from surgery on his right middle finger, an injury that has continued to affect him following an offseason procedure. The Braves are hopeful that consistent at-bats during his rehab assignment will allow him to rebuild both his rhythm and confidence before returning to the majors.
Exactly how long either player remains on rehab assignment remains uncertain. Major League Baseball allows position players to spend up to 20 days on a rehab assignment, although each recovery timeline is determined by health and performance. They are expected to spend at least several days in North Port before potentially advancing to one of Atlanta’s higher minor league affiliates.
Once they leave the Florida Complex League, several possibilities exist. Gwinnett does not return home until next Monday, while High-A Rome begins a homestand on Friday, making Rome a potential next destination before a move to Triple-A. The Braves have not announced any official plans beyond Monday’s assignment, leaving plenty of flexibility as both players progress.
The timing also works in Atlanta’s favor because the MLB All-Star break has temporarily halted both the major league and most minor league schedules until Friday. Rookie-level leagues, however, continue playing throughout the week, allowing Acuña and Kim to accumulate valuable game repetitions while much of baseball is on pause.
Before landing on the injured list, Acuña was beginning to resemble the superstar Braves fans have come to expect. Over his final 11 games before the hamstring injury, he hit .316 while posting an outstanding 1.195 OPS. He also launched five home runs, drove in 10 runs, and stole seven bases, showing the combination of power and speed that can transform Atlanta’s offense.
Kim’s season has followed a much different path. Offensive production has been difficult to come by, as he managed just five hits across 82 plate appearances before the Braves reduced his role in the lineup. His rehab assignment now offers an opportunity to reset away from the spotlight, work through mechanical adjustments, and regain the confidence that made him an attractive addition to the club.
For the Braves, the focus extends beyond simply getting two players back on the field. The organization wants both Acuña and Kim to return healthy, productive, and fully prepared to contribute during the season’s most important stretch. That means resisting the temptation to accelerate the process, even if the major league club could use reinforcements immediately.
Monday’s rehab assignments may not guarantee an immediate return, but they represent a meaningful turning point. If both players progress without setbacks, Atlanta could soon welcome back one of baseball’s biggest stars and another player eager to prove he can make a significant impact during the second half of the season.