Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuna Jr. returned to the active roster Thursday for the first time since tearing his right ACL last July.
The 24-year-old outfielder batted .368 with one RBI and three stolen bases in six games at Triple-A Gwinnett. The team previously targeted May 6 for the return of the two-time All-Star, per reports.
Acuna was enjoying a monster season with 24 homers and 52 RBIs in 82 games last year before sustaining the injury on July 10. Atlanta went on to win the World Series without him.
The 2018 National League Rookie of the Year has a .281 career average with 105 homers, 246 RBIs and 78 steals in 395 games in four seasons with the Braves.
In a corresponding move, the Braves designated outfielder Alex Dickerson for assignment. Dickerson, 31, is hitting .121 (4 for 33) with one homer and two RBIs in 13 games this season.
Atlanta hosts the Chicago Cubs on Thursday night and opens a seven-game road trip Friday against the Texas Rangers.
