The Atlanta Braves are set to welcome back outfielder Jurickson Profar to the lineup on Thursday, as reported by The Athletic’s David O’Brien. Profar will participate in the remaining Spring Training games after recovering from a left hand injury sustained on March 8. The injury occurred when he landed awkwardly while attempting a diving catch, initially thought to be a jammed wrist. However, a CT scan revealed only a bone bruise, and he was cleared to return in time for Opening Day.
Profar, who signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves this offseason, is coming off a career-best year at age 31. In 2024, he earned his first All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award, finishing the season with a .280/.380/.459 slash line, 24 home runs, and 85 RBIs. Despite a slow start in Spring Training—hitting .167 with a .706 OPS, no home runs, and no RBIs in six games—Profar has been batting at the top of the lineup, a role he is expected to retain upon his return.
This positive development allows the Braves to stick to their original plan for the outfield. Profar will start in left field, while Michael Harris II continues to anchor center field, a role he has held since his debut. In right field, Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz are expected to share duties until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns, likely around May, though his timeline could shift.
So far, the Braves have largely avoided significant injury setbacks. Catcher Sean Murphy is sidelined with a cracked rib but is expected to return early in the season. Third baseman Austin Riley briefly exited after being hit by a pitch on the hand but returned to action after a couple of days. With Profar back in the mix, the Braves are poised to enter the season with a strong and healthy lineup.
Leave a Reply