Cobb Reporter

All-Star outfielder Ronald Acuña is back in the Atlanta Braves' lineup nearly 10 months after undergoing major knee surgery for a torn ACL, a recent report by MLB.com said. 

As he takes the field once again, Acuña said his goal is to be the player he has always been that plays hard and tries to have a good experience with the fans. 

"It feels like getting called up to the big leagues again," Acuña told MLB.com.

Acuña played right field against the Chicago Cubs in his first game back, collecting one hit and two stolen bases while batting leadoff for the defending World Series champs in a 5-1 victory at Truist Park, the MLB report said. 

With the outfielder's return, the Braves now have Acuña, Matt Olson, Austin Riley, Marcell Ozuna and Ozzie Albies filling the first five spots of their lineup, all of whom have belted at least 30 homers in a season at some point in their careers. 

Back in 2019, Acuña finished three stolen bases shy of a 40-40 season, leading the team within a single victory of winning the National League pennant, the report said. He stayed on track last season, ranking as an MVP candidate before suffering his season-ending injury. 

Acuña returned to the field again Saturday, as the Braves fell flat in a 3-1 loss against the Texas Rangers. He brought in the team's only run, however, hitting an RBI single in the third inning.