The Atlanta Braves are finally getting healthier, but as one star returns, another tough roster decision looms. With Ronald Acuña Jr. expected back this week—potentially as early as Wednesday—the Braves will need to make room, and all signs point to an outfielder getting the boot.

Acuña has been sidelined with a hamstring injury suffered in Colorado, but his return is imminent. Braves writer Mark Bowman noted that while manager Brian Snitker said Acuña still has "some boxes to check," the fact that he was doing agility work suggests his IL stint won't be long. That's great news for a lineup that has missed his explosive presence.

However, every comeback creates a roster crunch. After Eli White landed on the seven-day IL on Monday, the Braves have a bit more flexibility, but a demotion still seems inevitable. The most likely candidate? Veteran Mike Yastrzemski.

Yastrzemski signed a two-year, $23 million deal this past offseason, but the early returns have been disappointing. Through the first stretch of the 2026 season, he's hitting just .219 with zero home runs, one stolen base, and a .593 OPS. Those numbers are well below what Atlanta expected when they brought him aboard, and the underlying Statcast data paints an even grimmer picture.

FanSided's Zachary Rotman put it bluntly: "Of the names on this list, Mike Yastrzemski is the least likely for the Braves to cut bait with, given the fact that he signed a two-year, $23 million deal over the offseason. But with how much of a slog it's been for him to date, they ought to consider doing something. Acuña should be back soon, and Yastrzemski should be the one he's replacing in the lineup."

Rotman also pointed out that with depth options like Mauricio Dubon, Eli White (once healthy), and even Jorge Mateo providing versatility, moving on from Yastrzemski might be easier than the Braves are willing to admit. For a team with championship aspirations, every at-bat counts, and Yastrzemski's slow start has become a glaring weak spot.

As Acuña prepares to reclaim his spot in right field, the Braves face a tough but necessary call. Will they stick with the veteran investment, or make a move to keep the lineup humming? One thing is certain: in a division as competitive as the NL East, there's no time for a slog.