Braves' Ronald Acuña Jr likely ready for Opening Day, despite knee injury concerns: 'I can play today'

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

The Atlanta Braves organization breathed a collective sigh of relief when a California doctor confirmed no structural damage was found in outfielder and reigning NL MVP Ronald Acuña Jr's right knee.

Dr. Neal ElAttrache confirmed Acuña recently experienced some discomfort in the same knee that was surgically repaired after the Braves star suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in 2021. ElAttrache concluded that the recent knee discomfort was due to irritation around the meniscus.

The diagnosis means Acuña will likely avoid surgery and be ready for the Braves' Opening Day matchup with the Philadelphia Phillies on March 28.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ronald Acuña Jr., #13 of the Atlanta Braves, hits a two-run home run in the fifth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on Aug. 28, 2023 in Denver. (Tyler Schank/Clarkson Creative/Getty Images)

On Tuesday, the Braves revealed plans to gradually ramp up Acuña's baseball activities as Opening Day draws near. 

Acuña first seemed to experience some soreness in his right knee on Friday, shortly after an extended rundown play from a Feb. 29 spring training game. He then underwent an MRI which revealed irritation of the meniscus.

BRAVES' RONALD ACUÑA JR. NAMED TOPPS COVER ATHLETE FOR 2024 BASEBALL TRADING CARDS FOLLOWING MVP SEASON

In what the Braves described as a precautionary measure, Acuña traveled to Southern California to allow ElAttrache to perform a knee examination.

Ronald Acuna Jr., #13 of the Atlanta Braves, hits a home run in the first inning against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on Sept. 22, 2023 in Washington, D.C. (Greg