The Atlanta Braves have found themselves in a challenging season already, and it just got a bit tougher as they announced that their new free agent acquisition, Jurickson Profar, has received an 80-game suspension for violating Major League Baseball’s policies regarding performance-enhancing drugs. This news is disappointing not just for the team but also for fans who were hopeful about Profar’s contributions this season. After all, he signed a three-year contract valued at $42 million, expecting to bring his talent back to the forefront of the game.
In a recent statement shared by ESPN’s Alden González, Profar expressed his apologies to the Braves organization, his teammates, and the fans. He made it abundantly clear that he has no intention of appealing the suspension and fully accepts the league’s decision. It’s a mature and responsible stance from the player, but it also leaves many questions for the team and its followers as they navigate through this early portion of the season.
Notably, Profar was coming off one of his best seasons yet, where he posted a respectable batting average of .280, along with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs. However, his start in this season has been much less promising; in just 15 at-bats against the San Diego Padres—where the Braves unfortunately were swept in a four-game series—he managed to bat only .200, with three strikeouts and one walk. This is certainly not the impact the Braves were hoping for from their new player, and losing him for half the season adds strain to an already tested roster.
Things aren’t getting any easier for the Braves, as they now face the defending World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers, for a three-game road series. The team’s current struggles are compounded by the absence of superstar Ronald Acuña Jr., who is still recovering from a torn ACL. There is optimism that Acuña might make a return in May, but until then, the team needs to rally together.
Yet, in the midst of these hardships, it’s important to remember that the Braves are not lacking talent. Players like Nick Allen, Matt Olson, Marcell Ozuna, Austin Riley, and Michael Harris II possess the skills necessary to not only weather this storm but to rise to the occasion. There’s enough talent in this lineup to keep the offense lively and productive. The onus will be on these players to step up while the franchise navigates this turbulent period without both Profar and Acuña.
As a fan, it’s incredibly tough to see your team struggle, especially with such high expectations after acquiring key players. The ups and downs of sports can be a rollercoaster, and moments like these test your loyalty and love for the game. Just remember that while it’s easy to feel frustrated or discouraged, sports are about the journey. The Braves have faced adversity before, and how they respond now will define their character and their season. With stakes like these, sometimes it’s these very challenges that can spark a team’s true potential. Keep faith, and let’s see how this team rallies in the coming weeks.
Image Source: Jurickson Profar @ Instagram
