The Atlanta Braves’ depth took a major hit on Tuesday when outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the entirety of the 2026 MLB season following his second career failed PED test.
While the MLB Players Association is moving forward with an appeal, it is widely expected that Profar will not be available for Atlanta in what is quickly becoming one of the worst contracts in franchise history.
Advertisement
Profar is the first offensive setback the Braves have dealt with this spring, but the club is already down two starting pitchers, Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep, both of whom underwent elbow procedures. It has been an especially difficult camp for Atlanta with Opening Day still weeks away.
Atlanta Braves left fielder Jurickson Profar (7) © Brett Davis-Imagn Images
(© Brett Davis-Imagn Images)
With the Braves already absorbing so many losses, the team cannot afford to lose any more players. With Profar likely to miss the upcoming season, the signing of outfielder Mike Yastrzemski on a two-year, $23 million deal this winter looks even more important, as he now projects to receive significantly more playing time.
Advertisement
Yastrzemski was in Atlanta’s lineup on Wednesday for their exhibition matchup against Team Venezuela as part of the World Baseball Classic tuneup schedule, originally slated to hit fifth and play left field.
But just moments before first pitch, he was removed from the lineup, with Ben Gamel taking his place. The Braves have not provided an explanation for the change, but any unexpected removal is concerning given the team’s recent string of injuries.
Advertisement
The hope is that the move was precautionary and not related to a physical setback, because losing another outfielder one day after the Profar news would put Atlanta in a difficult position.
Yastrzemski was viewed as a strong addition for the Braves this offseason. The 35-year-old is coming off a solid year split between the San Francisco Giants and Kansas City Royals.
He performed especially well during his stint with Kansas City, posting a .237 batting average, .339 on base percentage, .839 OPS, nine home runs and 18 RBIs across 50 games, production that helped earn him his two-year deal with Atlanta.
Advertisement
If Yastrzemski is dealing with an injury, the Braves’ outfield depth could be tested immediately, and the club may be forced to explore external options sooner than expected.
Related: Braves’ Austin Riley Makes Announcement Amid Spring Training
This story was originally published by Athlon Sports on Mar 4, 2026, where it first appeared in the MLB section. Add Athlon Sports as a Preferred Source by clicking here.