The Atlanta Braves are getting Jurickson Profar back from his suspension and have designated a veteran outfielder for assignment to make room for him.
Alex Verdugo was signed by the Braves on March 20. When Profar was suspended, Verdugo quickly became an important player. However, with Pofar returning, the Braves have designated Verdugo for assignment, according to The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal.
Profar was an All-Star last year and signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves in the offseason. His suspension makes him ineligible for the postseason, but the Braves have opted to stick with Eli White as outfield depth over Verdugo.
Verdugo was slashing .239/.296/.289 on the season. Profar only played in four games before his suspension, but last season he slashed .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs. He had the best season of his career last year, but will now have to prove he did it on his own and without any help.
The Braves are 7 1/2 games out of a wild card spot entering play on Wednesday. If they want to make the postseason, they will need to turn things around fast. Adding Profar to the lineup could help them make a late postseason push, but he will not be able to help the team if they end up playing in October.
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Verdugo slashed .281/.337/.428 in the first seven years of his career. However, the last two seasons have been subpar for him. He has slashed .234/.292/.339 in his last 205 games.
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