Strider returns soon; Acuna out until mid-May

Spencer Strider will start for the Braves in a Spring Training game on Monday, marking progress in his recovery from surgery. He is expected to pitch in at least five games before returning to the regular season, possibly by mid-April. Ronald Acuna Jr. is participating in baseball activities but will not play in games before the Grapefruit League ends. He is set to begin a minor league rehab assignment in April, aiming for a return by mid-May. Acuna will start the season on the injured list but is expected to be on the 10-day list. He is recovering from a torn ACL suffered last May, which follows a previous ACL injury in 2021.