After a lengthy wait, the Atlanta Braves activated Ronald Acuna Jr. from the injured list on Thursday in time for their series finale against the Chicago Cubs.

Acuna had been sidelined since suffering the season-ending torn ACL injury last July. After a notable injury rehab process coupled with featuring in six minor league games, the Braves cleared him to return to action and slotted him in to bat leadoff on Thursday.

While Acuna spent a hefty amount of time over the past months rehabbing his knee injury, he also shifted attention over to simply getting faster. Overall, as he noted during a pre-game press conference ahead of the clash with the Cubs, Acuna is aiming to add another dimension to the Braves offense with his speed on the base paths.

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“Throughout the entire rehabilitation process, there was an added focus on my legs and developing those muscles,” Acuna said. “I think I can add speed there. I’m coming in with the intention of running a little bit more.”

Under Braves manager Brian Snitker, Acuna has been a vital threat to steal bases on a game-by-game basis. For one, he was three stolen bases away from a 40 home runs and 40 stolen bases campaign in 2019. More so, he has logged 25 stolen bases in his past two seasons combined.

If Acuna can up his production in the stolen bases department, it sure could go a long way for a Braves offense in need of a spark at this early stage in the season.