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Braves predicted to salvage Jurickson Profar suspension by signing $38M Cy Young-caliber arm originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.
The Atlanta Braves have been hit with several pitching injuries that appear likely to impact the team early in the season. It all started during the first week of Spring Training when two young arms went down. Hurston Waldrep was the latest to suffer an injury.
“The Atlanta Braves' rotation took another hit Sunday when manager Walt Weiss said right-hander Hurston Waldrep may need surgery to remove "loose bodies" found in his arm. Waldrep complained of discomfort after throwing batting practice. Weiss said an MRI showed no ligament damage, but the team is waiting to learn more after Waldrep has additional tests,” ESPN wrote.
Not long after that, it was outfielder Jurickson Profar who made headlines after being suspended for the season.
“Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Profar, 33, is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since Major League Baseball increased the penalty for two-time offenders to a full season in 2014. He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary,” ESPN’s Jeff Passan wrote.
Profar’s suspension could now allow the Braves to pursue a much-needed starting pitcher. One name still available is Lucas Giolito, who could be a good fit for Atlanta.
“The Braves also need pitching. Injuries to Schwellenbach and Waldrep have left their rotation thin, so they could use the money from Profar's $15 million salary (and the $3 million in luxury taxes from the 20% tax they would've paid on the deal) on one of the unsigned starting pitchers, such as Lucas Giolito,” ESPN’s Buster Olney wrote.
The Braves might be playing the waiting game, as the end of Spring Training is approaching and roster cuts continue to be made. Atlanta will likely need a back-end rotation arm.
While Profar’s suspension is a significant blow, it could help the Braves financially by allowing them to return to the free-agent market. The organization now has to make the right decision with the $15 million that has effectively been freed up.
More MLB news:
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Braves could replace Jurickson Profar with Orioles' $6M Gold Glove finalist looking for fresh start
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Braves urged to retain $45M 2-time Silver Slugger, veteran 3-time All-Star in his prime
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Braves predicted to trade Dylan Lee, Didier Fuentes for Yankees' $5.1M phenom with elite bat speed
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