Ronald Acuña Jr. just took a big step towards getting back in the lineup, starting a minor league rehab assignment Monday in the Florida Complex League. He went 0-for-3 with a strikeout, which isn't exactly the fireworks everyone was hoping for, but hey, he's actually playing games again. This guy has been out of action since June 10 with a Grade 1 left hamstring strain, and get this, it is the second time he has dealt with that specific injury this season, having also missed time in May.
Acuña's Comeback and Kurtz's Setback
Acuña, the 28-year-old outfielder, is gonna be grinding in the Complex League all week while the rest of MLB is on break. The hope is he can get enough games under his belt to return when his team resumes play Friday at home against the Rangers. Worst case scenario, we should see him back in the big leagues by next week. It's been a tough year for him, limited to just 53 games, slashing .251/.373/.421 with seven homers, 31 runs scored, 22 RBI, and 15 steals. You just know he is itching to get back to full speed and prove what he can do when healthy. Meanwhile, Oakland A's slugger Nick Kurtz just got hit with some brutal news. After being pulled from a game last Wednesday with what they called an illness, then returning Thursday, he was held out Friday and officially landed on the 10-day injured list with a right thumb capsule strain. This injury means he is gonna miss the All-Star game, and he could be looking at a multi-week absence. Talk about a gut punch after an incredible first half where the 23-year-old followed up an impressive rookie campaign with a .266/.405/.497 line, 20 homers, 61 runs, 66 RBI, and seven steals across 412 plate appearances. That kind of production is gonna be sorely missed.Harrison's Elbow Scare and What's Next
It is not just Acuña and Kurtz making injury headlines. Kyle Harrison, the 24-year-old lefty, had his own scare. He told reporters after his July 8 start that he had been dealing with some soreness on the outside of his left elbow for a couple of weeks. He went just four innings in that start, and only 2 2/3 in his previous outing. The next day, he hit the 15-day injured list with left forearm tightness. Harrison gave an update over the weekend, saying he was feeling much better and "not too worried" about it. Hopefully, with the All-Star break giving him extra rest, he will only miss a start or two. He has been enjoying a breakout season with a 3.01 ERA, 1.08 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts over 83 2/3 innings. A quick heads up on Zack Gelof too, he finished the first half with some bad luck, landing on the IL for a minimum stint with a lacerated hand. The Braves are back on the field Friday. For Acuña, every at-bat in the Florida Complex League this week is about shaking off the rust and proving that hamstring is finally good to go. We are all holding our breath, hoping to see the full force of these guys back on the diamond soon.This article was created with AI assistance and reviewed by Seattle On Tap editorial staff. Always verify information with official team sources.