Here’s the latest MLB news on Ronald Acuña Jr.’s historic accomplishment:
Braves’ Ronald Acuña Jr. Makes MLB History, Joining Joe DiMaggio in Exclusive Club
Atlanta Braves outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. has etched his name into baseball lore by becoming the second player in Major League Baseball history to start the All-Star Game after debuting at or after a team’s 50th game of the season — a rare feat previously achieved only by Joe DiMaggio in 1949 .
Acuña missed the first 49 games of the 2025 season while recovering from a torn ACL and made his Braves return on the 50th team game. Despite this, he was elected by fans to start in the All-Star Game — marking a remarkable comeback and a historic moment .
By contrast, DiMaggio, the legendary Yankees center fielder, did not start the season until Game 66 in 1949 but was named to start the All-Star Game after a teammate’s injury . Acuña’s milestone cements him alongside one of the most iconic players in baseball history.
Acuña’s Post-Injury Surge
Category Stats Since Return
Games Played 37–36 games in the Braves’ 50+ games
Batting Average .344–.350
Home Runs 9
RBIs 18
Stolen Bases 4
OPS ~1.063
He’s firing on all cylinders — posting elite numbers with a .346 BA, 1.063 OPS, nine homers, 18 RBIs, and four steals in just 36 games . OptaSTATS confirms that no other player in MLB history has earned an All-Star start following such a late-season debut — until now .
A Remarkable Return
This season marks Acuña’s return from a torn left ACL suffered on May 26, 2024, with surgery on June 6 the same year . He made a dramatic impact upon returning on May 23, 2025, homering on the first pitch of his season . His remarkable recovery and immediate impact have roared fans and analysts into excitement.
What’s Next?
Acuña is set to start in the All-Star Game, held this year at Truist Park in Atlanta.
He’s also competing in the Home Run Derby on July 14, giving fans at his home ballpark a nightly spectacle .
At just 27 years old, the 5-time All-Star is on another MVP-caliber run following his 2023 MVP season, where he posted 41 HRs and 73 SBs .
Bottom Line
Ronald Acuña Jr. hasn’t just recovered — he’s transcended expectations. His fan-driven All-Star selection after such a late-season debut places him in elite company, joining Joe DiMaggio’s legendary 1949 milestone. With his blistering performance and star power, Acuña is reminding the baseball world why he’s one of the game’s most electrifying talents — and now, a part of history.
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