The roster shuffling grows for the Atlanta Braves, who continue to seek ways to spark their underperforming offense.
The latest movement involves outfielder Alex Verdugo, who will be designated for assignment before Wednesdayâs game against the Los Angeles Angels, according to the Athleticâs Ken Rosenthal.
The Braves need to clear up space on the roster for fellow outfielder Jurickson Profar, who is due to return from an 80-game suspension for performance-enhancing drugs.
Profar, who signed a three-year, $42 million deal with Atlanta in January, played just four games as a Brave before testing positive for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a performance-enhancing substance thatâs in violation of Major League Baseballâs Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
Why Did the Braves Cut Alex Verdugo?
When Verudgo was signed to a one-year, $1.5 million deal in March, a week before Opening Day, it seemed as if he would serve as a veteran presence off the bench. But his role changed when it was announced that Profar had tested positive.
Verdugo eventually took over for Jarred Kelenic in left field, but his lack of production made it difficult for the Braves to stick with him with Profarâs return impending.
After hitting .322 with seven doubles and an .825 OPS in his first 14 games, Verdugo quickly tailed off. Altogether, Verdugo slashed .239/.296/.289 with 12 RBI and 21 runs scored. He particularly struggled against left-handed pitching, batting only .143 (4-for-28).
Braves left fielders entered Wednesday hitting .207 with two homers a .522 OPS. Their combined -1.9 fWAR is worst in the majors.
Braves Offense Continues to Underperform
Profar enjoyed the most productive season of his career in 2024, hitting .280 with a career-high 24 homers, 85 RBI and an .839 OPS for the San Diego Padres. He parlayed that into his first All-Star appearance.
The former top prospect should hit near the top of the Bravesâ lineup, which has sputtered despite Ronald Acuna Jr.âs return.
The Braves rank 24th in runs scored, 21st in homers, and have fallen to fourth place in the National League East at 38-46, 11.5 games out of first.
Second baseman Ozzie Albies (.616 OPS) and center fielder Michael Harris II (.565 OPS) have been two of the offenseâs biggest culprits, and thereâs no indication that things will get better as the Braves look to climb out of the doldrums.
Perhaps Profar will help.
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