Jurickson Profar’s rehab assignment is off to a sharp start, and the Atlanta Braves just might be getting exactly what they paid for. After months of waiting, watching, and wondering, Profar laced together a 2-for-3 performance Wednesday night in Triple-A Gwinnett, adding a walk and a sac-fly RBI. Not bad for a guy who’s been sidelined since March.
And here’s the thing—he was leading off. That’s not just a random lineup card choice, that’s intentional and foreshadowing.
Snitker’s Vision: Profar Near Top of Braves Lineup
Manager Brian Snitker isn’t exactly keeping his plans secret. He’s already floated the idea of Profar batting second behind Ronald Acuña Jr., which—on paper—makes a lot of sense.
Acuña gets on base and creates havoc. Then Profar has the plate discipline and contact skills to keep the train moving. This isn’t some plug-and-play depth move. The Braves want Profar to be impactful from Day 1.
And considering how poorly left field has been handled this year in Atlanta? Profar’s return isn’t just convenient—it’s necessary. The position has been a turnstile of inconsistency, and the guy they signed to solidify it—$12 million for a reason—is finally working his way back. It won’t be a controversial shuffle. He’ll slot right back into left like he never left. That’s the plan.
A Cloud Still Hangs Over the Comeback
But it’s not all sunshine. Profar’s comeback is happening under the heavy cloud of an 80-game PED suspension. He tested positive for hCG, a hormone commonly linked to testosterone boosting, and it cost him nearly half of his salary—$5.8 million down the drain—and a shot at the postseason. Even if the Braves go on a miracle run, Profar can’t play in October. That’s baked into the punishment.
The Braves initially targeted June 29 for his return, but some rainouts and scheduling quirks pushed that date to July 2, when the 80-game threshold is finally reached. Until then, he’s got a few more weeks to prove that his 2024 All-Star numbers weren’t the result of a hormone boost but of real, sustainable talent.
Triple-A Is Just the First Hurdle
And here’s the part Braves fans can’t forget: Triple-A pitching isn’t Major League pitching. It’s great that he looked sharp in Gwinnett, but the real test starts when he’s back in the batter’s box at Truist Park, staring down legit MLB arms. If he struggles early, the whispers are going to get louder. “Was it the PEDs?” “Can he still hit clean?”
But if he picks up where he left off last season—.280 average, .380 OBP, 24 bombs, 85 RBIs—well, that narrative starts to shift. Maybe this guy is legit. Maybe he just made a stupid choice, served his time, and is ready to be the consistent left fielder Atlanta desperately needs.
Either way, the countdown to July 2 just got a lot more interesting. And with every hit in Gwinnett, Profar inches closer to redemption—or at least the chance to earn it.
