According to Mark Bowman of MLB.com, Jurickson Profar will begin playing in minor-league games for the Gwinnett Stripers today. If there are no rainouts, he is set to rejoin the Braves on July 2nd after serving his 80-game suspension for PEDs.
Profar will begin playing with Gwinnett tonight. Barring any more postponements, he’ll be activated on July 2
— Mark Bowman (@mlbbowman) June 17, 2025
Braves Country is home to some of the most passionate fans in baseball. With that unwavering support comes sky-high expectations—expectations that everyone who wears the Braves uniform upholds the standard. When they don’t, there are consequences.
Just think back to Marcell Ozuna‘s off-the-field issues. He was arrested for domestic violence and DUI. Combine that with on-field struggles, and Braves fans were ready to fire him into the sun. Eventually, he worked his way back into the hearts of Braves Country by improving in all areas of life, including on the field.
Jurickson Profar should expect a frosty reception from Braves fans. After signing a $42 million free agent deal, he was immediately suspended for PED use—appearing in just four games before being sidelined. With his return to Truist Park on the horizon, don’t be surprised if he’s met with boos. Unlike Ozuna, who faced personal issues and earned back fan support through accountability and performance, Profar cheated the game, his teammates, and potentially swindled the organization out of a massive investment.
It’s hard not to feel duped when looking at the back of Profar’s baseball card. In 2024 with the Padres, he posted career highs in batting average (.280), on-base percentage (.380), slugging (.459), home runs (24), and OPS+ (133). That OPS+ was 18 points higher than his previous best and 35 points above his career mark of 98. It raises a legitimate question: was it ever real?
Profar will have an uphill battle to get back in the good graces of Atlanta fans. Fortunately, there are a few things working in his favor. Most notably, left field has been a black hole for the Braves.
Eli White, Alex Verdugo, Jarred Kelenic, and Bryan De La Cruz have combined to hit for a .213 average with just two home runs. Their .281 slugging percentage ranks second-to-last in baseball, and their .547 OPS ranks third-to-last.
It feels safe to assume that anything Profar provides has to be an improvement over what the Braves have gotten out of the position thus far. Secondly, the clubhouse will certainly have Profar’s back, most notably Marcell Ozuna, who made one of the most miraculous 180s on and off the field with the Braves.
Jurickson Profar can expect to be showered with jeers when he returns to Truist Park, but he can win over many if he apologizes and proves that his 2024 campaign wasn’t the result of cheating. There will be a portion of Braves fans who will never forgive Profar, but winning baseball games can change a lot.
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Photo: Larry Radloff/Icon Sportswire
