Ronald Acuña Jr. appeared to dismiss ideas that his slow start was due to his previously ailing right knee as he sprinted around the bases during the Braves’ 6-5 victory over the Mets on Tuesday night at Truist Park.

Acuña stole three bases, recorded two singles, reached safely in each of his first four plate appearances, and brought back memories of his 2023 MVP campaign. He batted first in Atlanta’s three-run third inning, recording the first of six consecutive hits against New York starter Adrian Houser.

“I haven’t started the season off the way I wаnted to,” Acuña remarked via translator. “However, the season is long, and I sense that things will start to work in my favor.”

When Acuña became the first player to ever Һit 40 or more home runs and accumulate 70 or more stolen bases in a season last year, he had many evenings like this. However, he had not said much in the first nine games of this season. He had an OPS of.611, one stolen base, no home runs, and a.222 hitting average going into Tuesday.

Acuña finished his solid night with an infield single in the sixth inning. Through his first 10 games, he has had four multi-Һit games. Right now, his OPS is.691 and he is hitting.256.

Braves manager Brian Snitker remarked, “I’m sure he had fun getting on there and being able to run around.” That was very beneficial to him. That was a very positive indication that he will eventually break out as well. That was good to see, then.

Numbers derived from a sample size of just nine games and 42 plate appearances were not cause for concern. However, it was understandable that Braves supporters would be feeling nervous as they anticipated watching the defending National League MVP start to perform at his peak.

Acuña clarified that his delayed start was unrelated to the knee ailment that kept him out of action for a few weeks during Spring Training. He added that since the first week of March, he has not experienced any difficulty.

In the bottom of the first, Acuña was Һit by a pitch, stole second, advanced to third on a throwing error, and then jogged home on an RBI double by Ozzie Albies. After starting the crucial third inning with a single to left, the Braves right fielder walked in the fourth with one out. He was now in a position to steаl bases two and three.

Only twice has Acuña stolen three bases in a single game, but last year he led MLB with a franchise-record 73 stolen bases. The other incident occurred on April 22, 2023, against the Astros.

When questioned whether his knee had made him less аggressive on the bases through the first nine games of the season, Acuña responded, “I was just waiting to get on base because it felt like I hadn’t been on base in forever.”

Reynaldo Lopez was pleased with how the breakout game fell into place. After pitching six scoreless innings against New York, the right-hander was a major factor in Atlanta’s victory.

“[Acuña] is amazing,” López remarked. Everyone was able to witness it. He manages to steаl second and third despite the weather being chilly, damp, and rainy. I simply think he’s an amazing player. The fact that he is on our side is crucial.

Acuña’s dash around the bases a couple of times on Monday probably put an end to concerns about his health.

He was involved in a lengthy rundown with the Twins on February 29, which caused inflammation around his right meniscus. After Acuña tore his ACL in 2021, the Braves sent him to California to be assessed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache, who had previously medically repaired this same knee. ElAttrache stated that the outfield player only required a little relaxation.