Some returns are simply to fill a roster; others are seismic — they reshape a team’s entire landscape. Ronald Acuña Jr.‘s re-entry into the Atlanta Braves lineup was definitely the latter. After a challenging year, “El Abusador” didn’t just rejoin his team; he announced his presence with an immediate, thunderous exclamation mark.  This comeback is a story of extraordinary personal determination, beautifully underscored by a source of quiet strength, a loving voice in the background.

The Venezuelan phenom kicked off his highly anticipated 2025 season on May 23rd against the San Diego Padres. In his first official at-bat, Acuña Jr. launched the first pitch he saw to a whopping 467 feet for a home run. This solo homer off Nick Pivetta had a 115.5 mph exit velocity.

While the Braves fell, 2-1, his home run was the undisputed highlight. He pulled it again the very next day, May 24th. “La Bestia” hit a two-run homer, powering the Braves to a 7-1 win over the Padres.

Following this latest display of power, Ronald Acuña Jr.’s wife, Maria Laborde, couldn’t hold back her admiration. She quickly took to her Instagram story, sharing a video of his impressive home run. Maria added a heartwarming four-word caption in Spanish for her husband: “No dejas de sorprendernos” (You never stop surprising us). She followed it with, “Que grande mi amor @ronaldacunajr13” (How great, my love).

Married since August 31, 2023, and a mother to their two sons, Maria’s consistent support is a visible anchor in Acuña Jr.’s life.

It’s not the first time Maria has publicly cheered on her husband’s journey and successes. While he was on a rehab assignment with the Gwinnett Stripers, she posted a video of his first hit. And well, it goes both ways. Because Ronald is also a public admirer of Maria.

After hitting a historic grand slam on their wedding day in 2023, and then becoming the first major league baseball player to record 30 homers and 60 stolen bases in a season, he penned a romantic note on a game ticket for her.

And with all these, we cannot help but acknowledge how amazing Acuña Jr. is performing on the field.

Acuña Jr.: Back and better than ever

For Acuña Jr., his May 23rd first-pitch homer was historic in every sense. He also marked the first AL/NL player to have a leadoff homer in his first at-bat following at least 150 missed games. That also tied him with Aaron Judge for the most 460+ footer homers since 2018.

“I had a feeling I was going to homer,” Acuña Jr. admitted. He emphasized his patient recovery, stating, “This time, we took our time, and I’m fully recovered.”

Braves manager Brian Snitker almost expected the immediate fireworks from the star outfielder. “Did you think he wasn’t going to hit a homer on that first pitch?” Snitker quipped. He praised Acuña Jr.’s ability to energize everyone, from fans to teammates. Snitker even joked about Acuña’s desire to play every day, especially when “swinging the bat the way he is.” This sentiment highlights the infectious energy the Venezuelan brings.

Teammates echoed their manager’s enthusiasm, awestruck by “El Abusador’s” return. First baseman Matt Olson remarked, “Sometimes, you’re just born with it, and he definitely was.” Austin Riley called the return “huge,” noting Acuña Jr. “can change a game at any point.” Pitcher Chris Sale described the comeback homer as “one of the cooler moments I’ve seen on the baseball field.”

The consensus is clear: his presence elevates the entire team.

So, by May 25, 2025, the Atlanta Braves are now 25-26. They are in 3rd place in the NL East.

Offensively, Marcell Ozuna leads with a .273 average, while Matt Olson has the most homers (12) and RBIs (29). Even with a rough beginning, the ZiPS projections are still relatively high on key players like Olson, Riley, and Michael Harris II. Acuña Jr. himself is projected for 26 homers and a team-best 5.1 fWAR in 121 games.

The story of Ronald Acuña Jr.’s triumphant return is more than just a figure in a box score — it’s an epic comeback. With his wife Maria’s loving support on full display, and his bat already making big statements, “El Abusador” is on his way to make history, probably.

Now, the Braves have their catalyst. Even though there are plenty of challenges ahead, especially in the bullpen, an MVP in the lineup never hurts. Can this charged come back and support system spark Atlanta back to the top? The baseball world waits with bated breath.