Hello Braves fans. The wait is over. The moment you have been dreaming about has finally arrived. Ronald Acuna Jr. is back, and not just back in uniform, but back to being at his best. The same electric, unapologetic superstar who can change the game with one swing and steal the show with a single stare. Facing the Padres under the bright lights, the Braves’ slugger launched a towering home run that seemed to hang in the air just long enough for everyone watching to feel the energy shift. But it wasn’t just the blast that had everyone talking. It was what came after.

Acuna had been sidelined with a torn ACL since May 26, 2024. But on his long-awaited return, the 27-year-old wasted no time making a statement. Stepping into the box for the first time in 162 games, the slugger unleashed a thunderous swing on the very first pitch against the Padres, sending it soaring over the wall and sending shockwaves through the ballpark.

As Acuna rounded third and crossed home plate, the celebration caught everyone’s eye. It was bold, it was swagger-filled, and it looked familiar. Moreover, it mirrored a style made famous by another sports icon. Guess who he was channeling? You might have seen Acuna unleash the same move last week in an exhibition game too. We are talking about the NBA star, Ja Morant.

With swagger and flair, Acuna mimicked Ja Morant’s now-famous (and at times infamous) grenade celebration. The Braves’ crowd erupted. Social media lit up. And even Ja Morant himself couldn’t resist jumping into the moment, reacting with excitement as if to give his seal of approval.

Morant reacted over his X account seeing Acuna electrifying the ballpark, replicating his trademark style!

For starters, this celebration carries a story of its own. Morant first broke out the now-iconic grenade celebration against a fine he received in the NBA for performing another warfare-inspired gesture. Since then, the grenade celebration has exploded across the sports world, becoming the latest viral celebration trend, with Acuna embracing it as well.

But what does Acuna’s return mean for the Braves?

The Braves are now set to make a huge leap

Until now, it has been a rollercoaster ride for the Braves. They have faced offensive struggles, particularly against fastballs, where their expected weighted on-base average has dropped significantly compared to previous years. Additionally, the team has made roster adjustments, such as designating shortstop Orlando Arcia for assignment due to underperformance.

Expectedly, amid his turmoil, the only ray of hope is the return of Ronald Acuna Jr. His immediate impact, including a home run on the first pitch he saw, could signal a turning point for the team’s offensive production.

However, to be honest, the Braves are counting on more than just theatrics.

Despite the electrifying performance by Acuna, the Braves still lost the game to the Padres. Hence, they need a turnaround. Sitting in third place in the NL East with a 25–26 record, the Braves have underwhelmed through the first stretch of the season. They currently find themselves below .500, searching for rhythm, identity, and leadership.

Hence, for Atlanta to climb out of mediocrity and make a real run, it’s time for the batting lineup to get along with Acuna. The fans are waiting to see the heroics of Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, and others. So, the stage is set. The star is back. Now it’s time to see if he can lead the charge and lift the Braves where they belong, back into contention.