He recognized that even minor issues could worsen. "It may be considered minor, but it could cost you the entire season.
Thankfully, being more experienced helped me through this recovery," Acuna said.
The series opener also marked his return to Miami since international competition. "Returning here now you view it differently because of what happened," he said.
"This place will always bring me special memories."
Before activation, team management voiced caution about the playing surface in Miami. "The turf is a little bit tougher on soft tissue," said manager Walt Weiss.
Weiss explained that such surfaces impact recovery for lower-body ailments. "Hamstrings, quads, groins -- that type of thing.
It's a factor.
It's not the factor, but it's part of the equation when you're talking about activating somebody," he said.
Management clarified that Acuna would not be used continuously without rest. "We're going to take it day by day," Weiss said.
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Acuna is batting . 252 with two home runs, nine RBIs, and seven stolen bases over 162 plate appearances this season.
