Braves manager says he's disappointed about Profar but the suspension creates opportunity for others

Atlanta Braves Drake Baldwin is greeted by Jurickson Profar after hitting a solo home run in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in North Port, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss said Wednesday he was disappointed but determined to keep a positive outlook after Jurickson Profar’s suspension for the 2026 season.

Profar was suspended by Major League Baseball on Tuesday following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug.

Profar, an outfielder and designated hitter, was expected to be a regular, perhaps as the No. 2 hitter behind Ronald Acuña Jr., in Atlanta’s lineup. Weiss, speaking to reporters before Wednesday’s exhibition game against Team Colombia in North Port, Florida, said the Braves could overcome losing Profar just as they won the 2021 World Series after losing Acuña to a knee injury.