Ronald Acuna Jr. smashes a home run in first plate appearance after injury, celebrates with Ja Morant grenade
Braves' Ronald Acuna Jr. returns with a bang, mimics Ja Morant's grenade celebration after crushing home run (Getty Images)
After nearly a year of rehab and scrutiny, Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña Jr. returned to the diamond in the most dramatic fashion possible—by smashing a leadoff home run on the very first pitch he saw.
The 2023 National League MVP didn't just make a statement; he roared back with a bang that shook Truist Park and possibly the entire Braves organization.
Ronald Acuna Jr
. celebrates epic
home run return
with Ja Morant-style grenade move, Braves fans go wild
Facing San Diego Padres starter Nick Pivetta on Friday night, Ronald Acuña turned on a 93 mph four-seam fastball and crushed it 467 feet to left-center. The ball left his bat at an eye-popping 115.5 mph. According to MLB's Sarah Langs, the shot was the second-longest and third-hardest-hit first-pitch leadoff homer since 2015.
It was a jaw-dropping reminder of what the Braves had been missing—and perhaps, a sign of what's to come.
As the crowd erupted in pure joy, Acuña celebrated with a nod to NBA star Ja Morant by performing his signature "grenade celebration," hurling imaginary words and blocking out the noise. The move wasn't just a tribute—it was a message. Acuña, like Morant, has faced backlash for being unapologetically himself. Whether it's his swagger, his showmanship, or even public spats with his manager on social media, Acuña has never been afraid to stir the pot.
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During his recovery, he drew criticism from some—including former Brave Jeff Francoeur—who implied the team didn't need him. But on Friday, Acuña answered without a word. The towering homer and explosive return silenced doubters and reignited hope in a Braves offense that had been struggling. Heading into the game, Atlanta held a 24-25 record and trailed the division lead by 7.5 games.
The timing of Acuña's return couldn't be more critical. With the season nearing its halfway mark, the Braves need a spark. And if Friday night was any indication, Acuña might just be the firestarter this team desperately needed. As Morant once said, 'I'm going to take my words, I'm going to throw them out there, and then I'm going to block out the noise.' Acuña didn't just echo those words—he lived them.
Also Read:
When does Ronald Acuña make his long-awaited Braves return, and what impact could it have?
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