The Gwinnett Stripers just picked up a temporary star duo. Ronald Acuña Jr. and Ha-Seong Kim have been transferred to Triple-A Gwinnett for rehab assignments after the Braves bumped both players up from the Florida Complex League. The pair began short stints on July 13 and will now finish their work with the Stripers as the club heads out on a three-game road trip.
Stripers confirm transfers ahead of Toledo trip
A Stripers spokesperson confirmed Friday that Atlanta had sent both players to Gwinnett for the next phase of their rehabs. The Stripers open a three-game series against the Toledo Mud Hens from July 17-19, with Wednesday’s opener set for 7:05 p.m. at Fifth Third Field, according to CBS Atlanta.
Acuña's timeline and a big rehab night
Acuña strained his left hamstring on June 9 and started his rehab assignment with the FCL Braves on July 13 before being moved up to Triple-A this weekend. He delivered the clear highlight of his FCL stay by launching a third-inning grand slam on July 16, a swing that capped a productive tune-up and offered Atlanta an encouraging sign as the outfielder works his way back, according to the team's transactions log on MLB.com.
Kim's finger issue and early returns
Kim landed on Atlanta’s 10-day injured list on July 4 (retroactive to July 1) with inflammation in his right middle finger and, like Acuña, opened his rehab in the FCL on July 13. After a rough go at the big-league plate this season, Kim put up some livelier numbers in Florida, going 2-for-6 with a home run, two RBIs and a 1.389 OPS across three games, according to CBS Atlanta.
Gwinnett remains the Braves' rehab hub
For the Braves, Gwinnett has basically become the in-house repair shop. Acuña will be the eighth Atlanta player to rehab with the Stripers this season, joining names like Sean Murphy, Spencer Strider and AJ Smith-Shawver. The Stripers’ news and transactions pages chart a steady run of rehab cameos, underscoring how frequently Atlanta funnels injured regulars through its Triple-A club to get back up to game speed, according to Gwinnett Stripers.
What this could mean for the Braves
How long Acuña and Kim stay in Gwinnett will depend on how their bodies respond to live action, but a smooth, quick return for Acuña in particular would be a significant boost for a club trying to keep its footing in the division race. Atlanta hit the break at 55-40 and atop the NL East, a perch the team will be intent on defending as the second half gets rolling, according to CBS Sports.
