The Atlanta Braves are struggling to find a rhythm this season. They have yet to win more than two games in a row, and sit at 15-17 ahead of their three-game series against the San Diego Padres.

Along with the slow start, the Braves were dealt another injury blow to Ronald Acuna Jr. The star outfielder missed Atlanta's Wednesday night win over the Boston Red Sox due to groin soreness.

However, he could be in the rotation as early as Saturday afternoon, according to recent updates from the Braves. Head coach Brian Snitker said that the Atlanta star is “day to day” and would not play Friday night. Acuna is optimistic that he will be available for game two of the series against San Diego.

David O'Brien of The Athletic tweeted the update Friday afternoon.

This is huge news for the Braves, who can't really afford to play any more time without their star slugger. He missed the first 19 games of the season due to the ACL injury he suffered in July of 2021.

According to CBS Sports, Marcell Ozuna will take Acuna's place in the outfield and William Contreras will act as the Braves' designated hitter Friday night.

Because of his injuries, Acuna has only played in ten of the Braves 32 games so far this season. In that short time, Acuna has two home runs, five RBIs, and is batting .282. His second return of the season will be a huge boost for the Braves, especially if he has a season like he did last year.