Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar will return to the lineup in the coming day as the veteran will officially start his rehab assignment on Tuesday.
Profar's return is sure to garner a mixed reaction from Atlanta Braves fans. On one hand, you have a needed offensive boost that Profar is expected to provide. On the other, there is no denying that the selfish decision to ignore the league's banned substance list is what started Atlanta's early-season slide. Getting punched after a rough series to start the year, Profar only played four games before being suspended for the next 80.
As frustrating as the choice was, if the Braves have any hope of turning the season around, they are going to need Profar's contributions. And if the 32-year-old OF is going to rejoin manager Brian Snitker's lineup, someone must be kicked to the curb to make space.
Braves OF Stuart Fairchild on Chopping Block Before Jurickson Profar's Return
For the moment, Profar should be expected to return and start in Atlanta's everyday lineup. Where Snitker opts to plug Profar into the team's lineup is an interesting part of his return. As is the move the Braves choose to make when the outfielder is again able to return to the active roster.
The two top options for demotion are Luke Williams and Stuart Fairchild. Although Williams has far less upside as a hitter, he has the advantage of being able to play multiple positions as well as providing a speed option off the bench. That's the type of versatility all MLB managers covet.
With that in mind. it is likely going to be Fairchild who is demoted, with Alex Verdugo and Eli White taking bench roles. Atlanta's starting outfield should be far more consistent with both veteran outfielder losing their platoon role in favor of Profar being consistently in the starting lineup.
For Fairchild, the expected demotion wouldn't come as a surprise for the limited offensive option.
In 21 games (33 at-bats) this season, the former 2017 second-rounder is only slashing .182/.250/.273 with two RBIs and a 25.0% strikeout rate. The only value in having the current Brave on the bench is the defense and pinch-running ability he offers. White can fill this role just as well while having a far better chance of helping the team at the plate.
When Profar does make his expected return, Fairchild being booted from the Braves roster seems the most likely way things will play out.