Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar exited Saturday's spring training game with a jammed left wrist after an awkward landing while attempting a diving catch on a sinking liner by Jack Suwinski in the fourth inning against Pittsburgh. The Braves reported that initial X-rays on Profar's wrist were negative, but he will undergo further testing to determine the extent of the injury.
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Profar, who signed a $42 million, three-year contract with the Braves in January, is coming off a career year with the San Diego Padres, where he batted .280 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs. The 32-year-old switch hitter was expected to be a key player for Atlanta this season. The team remains hopeful that Profar's injury is not serious and that he will recover quickly to continue contributing to their success.

The battle for the Braves' right field position has intensified, with Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz making compelling cases for the starting nod in Ronald Acuña Jr.'s absence. Kelenic's recent home run showcased his power and potential, while De La Cruz's consistent performance has kept him hot and in the mix. Both players are seizing their opportunities, making it difficult for the Braves' coaching staff to decide who will fill the void left by Acuña. Their impressive displays in spring training highlight their determination and talent, providing the team with strong options for the upcoming season.
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As the Braves continue to evaluate their right field candidates, the competition between Kelenic and De La Cruz promises to be one of the most intriguing storylines of the spring. Each player brings unique strengths to the table, and their performances will be closely watched as the team finalizes its roster. The coaching staff faces a tough decision, but the depth and talent showcased by Kelenic and De La Cruz offer reassurance that the Braves will have a capable replacement for Acuña. Fans can look forward to seeing how this exciting battle unfolds and who will ultimately emerge as the starting right fielder for the Braves.

The Atlanta Braves have signed veteran right-hander Hector Neris to a minor league deal with a non-roster invitation to big league Spring Training. Neris, who will turn 36 in June, brings a wealth of experience to the Braves' bullpen. He has previously played for the Philadelphia Phillies, Houston Astros, and Chicago Cubs, compiling a career 3.33 ERA and 107 saves over 11 seasons. Last year, Neris split his time between the Cubs and Astros, recording a 4.10 ERA and 18 saves in 59.1 innings. Despite some struggles with command, Neris remains a valuable addition to the Braves' pitching staff, especially given his strong track record and ability to handle high-leverage situations.
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Neris will join a crowded bullpen competition in Braves' camp, where he will have the opportunity to prove himself and earn a spot on the Opening Day roster. The Braves have been actively seeking bullpen help this offseason, and Neris' signing adds another experienced arm to their mix. With his extensive experience and past success, Neris has a good chance of making an impact for the Braves this season. As Spring Training progresses, all eyes will be on Neris to see if he can recapture his form and secure a role in Atlanta's bullpen.

The Atlanta Braves will be without their starting catcher, Sean Murphy, for the next four to six weeks due to a cracked rib. Murphy sustained the injury when he was hit by a pitch during a Grapefruit League game. This setback means Murphy will miss the start of the regular season, leaving a significant gap in the Braves' lineup. Murphy, a former All-Star and Gold Glove Award winner, had a challenging 2024 season, hitting .193 with 10 home runs in 72 games. Despite his struggles, the Braves were counting on him to bounce back this year, especially after parting ways with backup catcher Travis d'Arnaud.
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With Murphy sidelined, the Braves will look to their top prospect, Drake Baldwin, to potentially fill the void. Baldwin, who is not yet on the 40-man roster, has shown promise in the minors and could make his big league debut on Opening Day. The Braves also have other in-house options, including Chadwick Tromp and veteran non-roster invitees Curt Casali and Sandy León. As the team navigates this early-season challenge, they will need to rely on their depth and resilience to maintain their competitive edge.

Drake Baldwin's journey to Spring Training this year feels surreal, knowing he's now the Braves’ top prospect with a potential Major League debut on the horizon. Reflecting on his progress, Baldwin said, “I definitely didn’t think I’d be in this spot three years ago. It’s pretty cool.” Selected by the Braves in the third round of the 2022 MLB Draft, Baldwin has spent the past few years proving his worth beyond just his bat. The 23-year-old catcher has climbed the ranks to become MLB Pipeline’s No. 63 overall prospect. As the 2025 Braves Top 30 Prospects list is set to be released on Monday, Baldwin will claim the top spot, a testament to his impressive performance, including a .298 average, 12 home runs, and a .891 OPS over 334 plate appearances for Triple-A Gwinnett last season.
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Braves starting pitcher Ian Anderson has high praise for Baldwin, emphasizing his work ethic and locker room presence. “He’s awesome. I could stand here all day and talk about him. He’s so good in the locker room, and he loves being around the field. He’s one of the first guys to show up and one of the last guys to leave. I think that goes a long way for that position. He can hit. He’s probably one of the better hitting prospects I’ve seen.” Baldwin’s talent was on full display during last summer’s Futures Game when he hit an opposite-field home run, the game’s hardest-hit ball, traveling 411 feet at 107.3 mph off the bat. As Baldwin continues to rise, the baseball world eagerly anticipates what he’ll achieve next.

Fresh off his first Cy Young Award, Chris Sale kicked off spring training in style, delivering two perfect innings for the Atlanta Braves on Saturday. Sale faced six batters and retired them all without issuing any walks or striking out anyone, showcasing his precision and efficiency on the mound. Despite his stellar performance, the Braves fell to the Minnesota Twins, 3-1, in the game.
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Entering his second year with the Braves, the 35-year-old left-hander is coming off a remarkable season in which he went 18-3 with a 2.38 ERA and 225 strikeouts, earning him the National League's pitching Triple Crown and the Cy Young Award. Sale's ability to stay healthy and make 29 starts last season, the most since 2017, was a key factor in his success. On Saturday, Sale threw 21 pitches, 14 of which were strikes, setting a positive tone for his 2025 campaign.

The Atlanta Braves are getting positive news as both Ronald Acuña Jr. and Spencer Strider are on track to return early in the 2024 season. Acuña, the dynamic outfielder and former MVP, is coming off an offseason rehab following a minor injury but has been progressing well. The Braves are optimistic that Acuña will be fully ready to rejoin the team for Opening Day, bringing back his electrifying presence at the top of the lineup. His health and performance are crucial for Atlanta’s championship aspirations, and his quick recovery has been a relief for both the team and fans.
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Meanwhile, Strider, one of the Braves’ top starting pitchers, is also on schedule for an early-season return after dealing with a slight injury concern in the spring. Strider, who emerged as one of MLB's most dominant pitchers in 2023, has been working through his rehab plan and is expected to be ready for the season opener. The combination of Acuña’s bat and Strider’s arm could be the key to the Braves’ success, and with both players on track to be back at full strength, Atlanta is poised to make a strong push in 2024.