Atlanta Braves fans have been waiting for over three months to see Jurickson Profar in a meaningful capacity. The 32-year-old outfielder was slapped with an 80-game suspension for violating the MLB's performance-enhancing drug policy, which will make him ineligible to play in the postseason should the Braves clinch a playoff berth.
It wasn't the start to Profar's Braves tenure that fans wanted to see after he joined the club on a three-year, $42 million contract in January. Having said that, Wednesday marked the end of the former Silver Slugger's suspension after spending the last few weeks working with Triple-A Gwinnett to get back into game shape.
The Braves needed to open a roster spot to put Profar back in the mix, though, resulting in one infielder losing his job.
Braves DFA Alex Verdugo to Make Room for Jurickson Profar's Return
Looking to open a roster spot for Profar, "the Braves have designated outfielder Alex Verdugo for assignment," according to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal. The move happened less than seven hours before Atlanta is slated to host the Los Angeles Angels, leaving time to tell if Profar will finally debut on Wednesday evening.
The Braves have designated outfielder Alex Verdugo for assignment, sources tell @TheAthletic. Clearing a spot for the return of Jurickson Profar.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) July 2, 2025
It'll be interesting to see if Profar performs like the player the Braves need him to be when he put pen to paper in the winter. The 2024 season was his best to date, as the former San Diego Padres OF recorded career highs in home runs (24), RBIs (85), and walks (76) while slashing .280/.380/.459 en route to his first-ever MLB All-Star and Silver Slugger nods.
Looking more like his 2024 self than his early 2025 form would be the quickest way for Profar to get back into Braves fans' good graces.
Before being suspended earlier this season, Profar was batting .200 with three hits and a walk across his first four games (15 at-bats) in an Atlanta jersey. His play has been much improved since joining Gwinnett, tallying three HRs, nine RBIs, and a .333/.407/.583 slash line in 13 outings with the Stripers.
Meanwhile, Verdugo being DFA'd isn't all that surprising. Since being promoted in mid-April, the ex-2014 second-rounder has only slashed .239/.296/.289 with 12 RBIs and 14 walks in 56 games (197 ABs). His performance over the last month or saw was the last straw, as he only batted .194 with a .452 OPS in 21 games since June 1.
The Braves now have a week to either wave or trade Verdugo before he's eligible to elect free agency.
Braves fans have been on a rollercoaster ride ever since the 2025 campaign began. Hopefully, Profar's long-awaited return gives manager Brian Snitker's club the kick in the pants it needs to turn things up a notch in the second half, especially with the MLB All-Star Game in Atlanta looming.