All articles tagged with #atlanta braves news
Didier Fuentes makes Atlanta’s Opening Day roster after a standout spring, flashing a Strider-like fastball-slider mix and the potential third pitch in a splitter; his status for a six-man rotation could hinge on injuries. The Braves also enjoyed a strong Spring Breakout win against Yankees prospects (8-3) and saw major-league spring performances from Chris Sale and Austin Riley.
Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been handed a 162-game suspension for testing positive for a performance‑enhancing drug, likely sidelining him for the 2026 season and forcing the team to explore internal and external options to fill the outfield. The Players Association plans to challenge the suspension, and the grievance process could delay any ban as MLB’s drug program reviews the case. The piece also notes other MLB PED suspensions and related roster considerations.
The Atlanta Braves released an official statement expressing disappointment in Jurickson Profar’s 162-game suspension for a second PED positive and reaffirmed their support for MLB’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension, which begins March 6, 2026, comes after Profar previously missed 80 games this season; the Braves will not pay his 2026 salary or payroll taxes and he remains ineligible for postseason. ESPN’s Jeff Passan broke the news, and MLB issued its own statement confirming the ban.
Jurickson Profar reportedly faces a full-season 162-game suspension for PED usage, leaving the Braves without a key contributor in 2026 as the MLBPA plans a grievance on the move.
Spencer Strider looked solid in his spring debut with low-90s velocity and good pitch shape, James Karinchak impressed in his third one-inning spring appearance, and infield prospects like John Gil showed well at the plate (Gil homered) with Lodise adding a liners-double; the roundup also notes MLB updates on Josh Hader’s status and Starling Marte’s one-year deal.