The Atlanta Braves are off to the worse start they have had in a very long time and now it gets worse. Jurickson Profar has reportedly tested positive for a banned substance. While we’re still waiting on confirmation from the team, the fallout could be significant.
MLB Insider Mike Rodriguez broke the news, and if the banned substance turns out to be a performance-enhancing drug (PED), we’re looking at an 80-game suspension.
The Braves Latest Setback
This is not the kind of headline anyone in Braves Country wanted to wake up to. After a brutal 0-4 start that already had fans reaching for the panic button, the last thing the team needed was a major off-field distraction. And yet, here we are.
The Braves signed Profar this offseason to a three-year, $42 million deal, expecting him to bring some veteran presence and pop to the lineup. Coming off a career year at age 31, Profar earned his first All-Star nod and a Silver Slugger Award, slashing .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs.
That’s the guy the Braves thought they were getting. But through the first four games, Profar has struggled, batting just .200 with a .450 OPS. Now, not only is his slow start a concern, but his availability is in serious doubt.
Outfield Depth Will Be Tested
And it’s not like the Braves had a surplus of outfielders to begin with. The outfield was already a patchwork situation with Ronald Acuña Jr. still sidelined until at least May as he recovers from his ACL injury.
The recent acquisition of Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds now looks like a more strategic move than initially thought. Fairchild joins the mix alongside Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz, who haven’t gotten to scorching starts. Kelenic is 2-for-13 with a lone home run, while De La Cruz has only had two at-bats and remains hitless.
To complicate matters even further, De La Cruz’s -1.5 WAR and 77 OPS+ from last season don’t exactly scream “solution.” However, when you’re out of options, every at-bat becomes an opportunity.
A Problematic Trend
This latest development only compounds the Braves’ early-season issues. First, it was the offense with a staggering 22-inning scoreless streak that has left fans shaking their heads.
Then, it was the bullpen, blowing leads left and right. Now, it’s a potential PED suspension for their biggest free-agent signing.
What’s Next For the Braves?
All eyes are on the Braves front office for official confirmation and further details. If the suspension becomes a reality, expect Fairchild, Kelenic, and De La Cruz to rotate heavily in the outfield. There’s also Alex Verdugo, who remains an option currently in the Braves system.
It’s a long season, and baseball has a funny way of surprising you when you least expect it. But with a winless record and now this Profar news hanging over the clubhouse, the Braves have their work cut out for them.
