SAN DIEGO -- Outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. is set to make a significant step as he recovers from his left knee and back injuries.
"We hope to get him doing some baseball activities this week," manager Brian Snitker said before the Braves opened a three-game series with the Padres on Monday.
Acuna was hurt on May 28, crumbling to the ground after reaching first base with what at first appeared would be a serious injury. He ended up spraining his knee; Snitker still can't believe it wasn't worse.
"He was so lucky," Snitker said. "He dodged an unbelievably big bullet. We've just got to be real careful and make sure he is really good before we turn him loose again on a baseball field."
Snitker said that Acuna, who is hitting .265 in 29 games, will play in some Minor League games before rejoining the club.