Trending Now - Braves Seek Alternatives for Profar's Role in Lineup

WHO:

Jurickson Profar, Braves player

Walt Weiss, Braves manager

Spencer Strider, Braves pitcher

Alex Anthopoulos, Braves president of baseball operations

Mike Yastrzemski, Braves player

Eli White, Braves player

Drake Baldwin, Braves player

Austin Riley, Braves third baseman

Major League Baseball (MLB)

WHAT:

Profar was suspended for 162 games without pay for testing positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites.

The Braves will not owe Profar his $15 million salary for the 2026 season.

The Braves missed the playoffs in 2025 and finished under .500 for the first time since 2017.

Profar's suspension is treated like a season-ending injury by the Braves.

The Braves are considering how to utilize the $15 million saved from Profar's salary for potential trades or roster adjustments.

WHERE:

North Port, Florida (location of Braves Spring Training)

WHEN:

Profar's suspension was announced on Tuesday, March 3, 2026.

The Braves are preparing for the 2026 MLB season.

WHY:

Profar's suspension is due to a violation of MLB's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

HOW:

The Braves plan to use various players as designated hitters to manage their lineup flexibility.

Weiss indicated that many regulars will be used as designated hitters to reduce their physical strain during the season.

QUOTES:

“Obviously, there’s emotions,” said Walt Weiss regarding Profar's suspension.

“We can choose to acknowledge it, put it to bed and move on from it,” said Spencer Strider.

“This team, the last couple years has been through a lot,” said Austin Riley.

In a significant development for the Atlanta Braves, Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 162 games without pay after testing positive for exogenous testosterone, meaning the team will not owe him his $15 million salary for the upcoming season. The Braves, who missed the playoffs last year and finished under .500 for the first time since 2017, are now considering how to utilize the savings from Profar's suspension for potential trades or roster adjustments as they prepare for the 2026 MLB season. Manager Walt Weiss acknowledged the emotional impact of the situation, while pitcher Spencer Strider emphasized the need to move forward, reflecting on the challenges the team has faced in recent years.