Updated reports suggest Profar may be ready for Opening Day.
The Atlanta Braves made one premium addition this prior offseason with the free agent signing of outfielder Jurickson Profar to play left field. After injuring his left wrist in Saturday’s Spring Training game, initial x-rays showed no break, but now the team and its fanbase should know on Monday if there are soft tissue issues or hairline fractures that could cause Profar to miss time during the regular season, which is less than three weeks away.
According to multiple reports this morning, Profar has flown to Atlanta to get a CT scan, the results of which will be known tomorrow. According to MLB.com’s Mark Bowman, there is some optimism on the severity of his injury.
There’s some optimism regarding Profar’s wrist. Regardless of the CT Scan result, he’d likely rest for at least a week. But for now, Opening Day isn’t out of the question.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 9, 2025
The 32-year-old outfielder signed a three-year contract with the Braves this past offseason after putting together the best offensive season of his career with the San Diego Padres in 2024.
Profar was expected to hit at the top of the Braves 2025 line-up, likely leading off until the return of Ronald Acuña, Jr., after posting 4.3 fWAR with a 139 RC+ in 2024.
The Braves also signed outfielder Bryan De La Cruz this offseason, as a platoon option in right field with hold-over Jarred Kelenic, to fill-in for Acuña, Jr. If Profar were to miss time during the regular season, it is likely that Kelenic would return to left field, where he started for much of the 2024 season, while De La Cruz would start in right field.
Both De La Cruz and Kelenic have had productive offensive performances so far this Spring. Utilitymen Eli White and Luke Williams are vying for a bench spot after seeing time with Atlanta in each of the past two seasons and could see an increased role if Profar misses time.
The team also has former big league outfielders Jake Marisnick and Conner Capel in camp -each of whom could provide additional outfield depth. Garrett Cooper is also in camp and couple of an option given his corner-outfield experience.
UPDATE: Good news for Profar and the Braves, with Bowman reporting that the CT Scan results showed only a bone bruise and he should be ready for Opening Day.
Jurickson Profar’s CT Scan showed a bone bruise. The expectation is he’ll be ready for Opening Day.
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) March 9, 2025