What an incredible turn of events for Alex Verdugo! The Atlanta Braves just got hit with some unexpected news—outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. Major League Baseball made the official announcement, with reporter Mike Rodriguez breaking the initial story that Profar’s positive test would lead to a lengthy suspension.
Profar had just signed a hefty three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta, but now he’s set to miss half of the 2025 season due to his use of hCG, a testosterone-boosting substance.
While this is certainly a major shake-up for the Braves, it could turn out to be an incredible opportunity for none other than Alex Verdugo! The former Yankees outfielder, who played a pivotal role in New York’s run to the 2024 World Series, was surprisingly left on the free-agent market far longer than expected. But the Braves saw his potential and scooped him up on March 20th with a minor-league deal worth $1.5 million.
Now, with Profar out of the lineup, Verdugo could be on the fast track to a starting role in Atlanta! According to Athlon Sports, "Verdugo was assigned to Triple-A Gwinnett following his signing, but may get a call up to the big leagues in the wake of this announcement." That prediction is looking more and more likely by the minute!
Verdugo brings solid defense, a fiery competitive spirit, and the kind of postseason experience that can make a real impact for a team aiming for another deep playoff run. His journey has been full of surprises, but this twist could be the perfect setup for him to shine on baseball’s biggest stage once again.
Stay tuned, because this Braves outfield situation just got a whole lot more interesting—and Alex Verdugo might just be the one to benefit the most!
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