What a way to end the month of March for the Atlanta Braves. 

On March 31, newly added Braves center fielder, Jurickson Profar, was suspended for 80 games due to a violation of the MLB’s PED policy. 

As if an 0-4 start to the year for the Braves before Profar’s suspension wasn’t bad enough, they’ll now lose their starting center fielder who had somewhat of a breakout season last year for the Padres. Profar’s first series as a Brave wasn’t the greatest logging three hits on 15 at bats over the 4-game stretch. 

Atlanta signed Profar over the offseason with high hopes. Locking him in with a 3-year, $42 million contract, they knew he could bolster their outfield with great hitting and a good fielding prowess as well. For now, the Braves outfield will have Jarred Kelenic in left field, Michael Harris in center, and Bryan De La Cruz replacing Profar, except he will be in right field, as the braves await the return of Ronald Acuña Jr. 

It’s been a tough start for the Braves – four straight losses before Profar’s suspension – but now the road gets even tougher. The suspension won’t affect their obvious bullpen issues and the many other holes that are present, but it’s another crushing blow for a team that has the Phillies and Mets in their division. 

For now, the next-man-up mentality applies to Bryan De La Cruz, and Braves Country awaits a speedy recovery for Ronald Acuña Jr. 

Cover image from @braves on Instagram