No one wants to start a season worrying about who’s banged up before the first pitch is even thrown. But if you’re looking for good news, here it is: while the Atlanta Braves have dealt with their fair share of spring setbacks, most of their key players are trending in the right direction. And that includes Jurickson Profar.
Profar Making Progress After Wrist Injury
If you’ve been keeping an eye on the Braves’ spring camp, you know Profar went down with a left wrist injury back on March 8 against the Pirates.
At first, there was a little concern—any time you hear about a wrist issue with a hitter, it raises an eyebrow. But the Braves quickly labeled it a “jammed wrist,” which is about as mild as you could hope for in baseball terminology. Fast forward to today, and Profar is already swinging the bat again, even a little ahead of schedule.
According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, Profar took batting practice on Sunday—one day earlier than expected. That might not seem like a big deal, but in the world of injury recovery, being ahead of schedule is always a win.
He’s not expected to return to game action until at least Thursday. However, there’s nothing to suggest he won’t be ready for Opening Day. The Braves play against his former team, the San Diego Padres on March 27. And if you ask him, there’s no doubt. When speaking with Bowman last week, Profar said he’s “very confident” that he’ll be good to go.
Braves’ Biggest Free-Agent Addition
That’s huge for Atlanta, considering how much the team invested in Profar this offseason. The veteran outfielder signed a three-year, $42 million deal to join the Braves. That made him their biggest free-agent winter addition—at least financially.
Given his production last season (.280 average, 24 home runs, 85 RBI, 94 runs), the Braves are counting on him to be a key piece in their lineup.
Profar’s experience is another major plus. Entering his 12th MLB season, the 31-year-old has played for the Padres, Rangers, Athletics, and Rockies. He is bringing versatility and consisency to an already stacked Braves offense.
His addition helps solidify Atlanta’s outfield. Plus, he provides another solid bat for a lineup that was already one of the most dangerous in baseball last season.
Other Braves Battling Injuries
Of course, Profar isn’t the only Braves player working his way back. Austin Riley, Sean Murphy, Spencer Strider, and Ronald Acuña Jr. have all dealt with injuries this spring.
Among that group, Riley and Profar appear to be on track for Opening Day. Murphy is the one name that seems unlikely to be ready after suffering a cracked rib on Feb. 28.
While the Braves haven’t had the smoothest spring injury wise, they’re still in a solid spot heading into the regular season. And if Profar and Riley are both in the lineup on Opening Day, that’s one less thing for Atlanta fans to worry about.
