Peach Tree Times

Atlanta Braves star Ronald Acuña has declared himself ready to go this season after missing the team's World Series-winning run with an ACL injury, a recent report by MLB.com said.

The outfielder yelled, "I'm back," when he stepped toward the first base dugout after the final swing of a recent batting-practice session as the ball landed beyond the left field wall. 

"If it was up to me, I'd say I'll be ready for Opening Day," Acuña told MLB.com. "But we all know that is not up to me. Either way, I'm just going to be ready for whenever the trainers and medical staff and everyone tell me I can play."

While Acuña may not be cleared to play before the Braves' season opener on April 7 against the Cincinnati Reds, he said he will do everything he can to convince the team he doesn't need to miss more than just a small part of the beginning of the season, the report said. 

Braves Manager Brian Snitker told MLB that Acuna was right where they want him to be, noting also that what he accomplished during the practice session was impressive.

Acuña has spent the last two months taking batting practice after spending the winter rehabbing in Los Angeles, the report said. With his recent successes, the young outfielder is looking to regain the superstardom he achieved before going down with a right ACL tear just eight months ago.