There’s a saying, ‘the stronger the fall, the bigger the comeback,’ and Truist Park just witnessed it. What was the occasion? The Atlanta Braves were facing the San Diego Padres. And it wasn’t just another game; an Ace was making his comeback after a long wait of one year. The moment he stepped onto the plate, all the eyes were glued to see their favorite. Ronald Acuna Jr. finally returned after a year of hard work to heal from a ruptured ACL injury.
He got injured on May 24, 2024, preventing him from playing, dampening the Braves’ season, and making fans miss his exciting presence on the field. But the wait is over, and it was all worth it when he hit the ball. Was it that simple to return to the diamond? No, Ronald Acuna Jr.’s return needed hard work, strength and concentration. When his comeback was announced, a question struck everyone’s mind: Could he pick up right where he left off?
Then, everyone remembered why Ronald Acuna Jr. is just different. Eyes were all set on Acuna as the game began. He stepped into the batter’s box to start the bottom of the first inning and faced Nick Pivetta of the Padres. Acuna didn’t wait for the opening pitch, a 93 mph fastball. He swung hard and hit the ball well into left-center field. The fans went wild when the ball went 467 feet and landed in the seats, giving the Braves a 1-0 lead. And the whole arena was filled with loud cheers. What a comeback!
HE IS BACK.
Ronald Acuña Jr. homers on the first pitch he sees! pic.twitter.com/LZgwO3b8kZ
— MLB (@MLB) May 23, 2025
The home run was more than just a point on the scoreboard; it was a message. Ronald Acuna Jr. is back and just as strong as before. Fans in the stadium and on social media celebrated the moment. Their reactions ranged from awe to excitement, showing how happy everyone was to see a favorite player return to the plate. Everyone was excited to witness him, and that included his family.
Even outside of Truist Park, where the cheers were deafening and the atmosphere electrifying, many were excited about Acuña’s triumphant comeback. His wife posted an Instagram story with the caption “WE ARE BACK,” which perfectly captured the relief and happiness they all felt after going through tough times together. Fans are just showering love.
Fan reactions: The roar of the digital stadium
Ronald Acuna Jr.’s return was a big win for the Braves, who had trouble scoring without him. His presence in the lineup promised to bring back the team’s competitive spirit and boost the confidence of fans and teammates.
The star power was so captivating that one fan couldn’t help but wonder, “If he was going into free agency he’d get more money than Soto.” This wasn’t just a passing comment. It was a strong sign of how much people thought of Acuna. Soto is a generational talent in his own right, and his lavish contract after entering into free agency is one of the season’s highlights. The fact that fans quickly put Acuna above that standard, even after a devastating injury, says a lot about his unusual combination of power, speed, and irresistible charm. It won’t be shocking if that happens. Or is it too early?
A 476-foot homer reminded fans that this season is just getting started. One comment read, “Ronald said ‘miss me?’ then launched a souvenir 430 feet. Different animal.” This comment perfectly sums up Acuna’s return with all its swagger and evident confidence. The expression “Different animal” highlights his distinct skills and aptitude to work well under pressure, which sets him apart.
Talking about Homer’s and the Ohtani thought won’t cross your mind? Difficult to resist, and it’s exactly what happened. “ALL CAPS AND IT’S NOT OHTANI YOU LOVE TO SEE IT.” There’s no denying the fact that Shohei Ohtani has been dominating the plate. But Acuna’s hit was a sweet reminder that other superstars may still get this amount of attention and excitement.
A question echoed in everyone’s head: Will he be able to do it? And he gave an epic reply. “Walked in, saw one pitch, sent it to orbit. Acuña ain’t back — he never left.” It highlighted that Acuna’s talent never faded while he was gone. His quick impact when he returned shut down all the murmurs about his ability.
The comparison was not limited to Soto and Ohtani. It was made with the GOAT, none other than A-Rod. “WOW!! NO WAY!! Like A-Rod’s return in ’09!” It’s a big compliment to compare this to Alex Rodriguez’s famous return in 2009, when he smashed a stunning grand slam in his first at-bat after hip surgery.
One thing is clear: Ronald Acuna Jr. said out loud that this comeback is better than the setback! As the season goes on, fans are excited to see how Acuña’s presence will continue to affect the team. They are sure the Braves’ chances are better than ever with him in the lineup.
The post Ronald Acuna Jr. Sends Braves Fans in Frenzy With Monster Homer on MLB Return: “He’d Get More Money Than Soto” appeared first on EssentiallySports.
