{"id":163126,"date":"2026-03-12T09:25:48","date_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:25:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=163126"},"modified":"2026-03-12T09:25:48","modified_gmt":"2026-03-12T09:25:48","slug":"breaking-%e2%9a%be-a-1m-move-might-quietly-solve-a-roster-question-for-the-atlanta-braves-reports-suggest-a-former-new-york-mets-player-could-step-in-for-jurickson-profar-on-opening-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/sportnews.azontree.com\/?p=163126","title":{"rendered":"Breaking: \u26be A $1M move might quietly solve a roster question for the Atlanta Braves. Reports suggest a former New York Mets player could step in for Jurickson Profar on Opening Day."},"content":{"rendered":"

\"Braves'<\/p>\n

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The Atlanta Braves<\/span><\/span> entered the 2026 season already dealing with injuries, and things became even more complicated after a major suspension involving Jurickson Profar<\/span><\/span>. Ironically, a signing that initially puzzled fans could now turn out to be extremely important for Atlanta.<\/p>\n

Dominic Smith Signing Suddenly Makes Sense<\/h2>\n

Earlier in the offseason, the Braves signed former New York Mets<\/span><\/span> first baseman Dominic Smith<\/span><\/span> to a one-year minor league contract<\/strong>.<\/p>\n

At the time, the move seemed minor and somewhat questionable. Smith had bounced between teams in recent seasons and was not expected to have a major role on the roster.<\/p>\n

However, his performance in spring training has been impressive. According to reports, Smith has been hitting .421 with a 1.132 OPS<\/strong>, giving Atlanta reason to believe he could contribute offensively if given an opportunity.<\/p>\n

That opportunity arrived sooner than anyone expected.<\/p>\n

Jurickson Profar Suspended for PED Use<\/h2>\n

\"Atlanta<\/p>\n

The Braves were rocked when MLB announced that Jurickson Profar had received a 162-game suspension<\/strong> after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug.<\/p>\n

Because it is his second PED violation<\/strong>, the penalty is a full-season ban<\/strong>, which is the standard punishment implemented by Major League Baseball in 2014 for repeat offenders.<\/p>\n

The suspension means:<\/p>\n

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    Profar will miss the entire 2026 season<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    He will lose his $15 million salary<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n

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    The Braves suddenly lose a key designated hitter option<\/strong><\/p>\n<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n

    The news also created frustration within the organization, especially because Profar had previously been suspended for a similar offense roughly a year earlier.<\/p>\n

    Braves Scrambling to Fill the DH Role<\/h2>\n

    With Profar unavailable, Atlanta has been forced to rethink its lineup plans heading into Opening Day.<\/p>\n

    One positive development is the strong spring from Mike Yastrzemski<\/span><\/span>, who has reportedly been hitting very well during camp.<\/p>\n

    Still, the designated hitter role remains uncertain, and that\u2019s where Dominic Smith could step in.<\/p>\n

    If Smith continues his hot spring performance, he now has a real chance to make the Opening Day roster<\/strong> and receive regular at-bats.<\/p>\n

    Why Smith Could Fit Atlanta\u2019s Lineup<\/h2>\n

    Smith\u2019s left-handed bat could help balance the Braves\u2019 lineup, and his experience at first base and DH<\/strong> makes him a flexible option.<\/p>\n

    He is also coming off a solid season with the San Francisco Giants<\/span><\/span>, which suggests there may still be offensive upside if he gets consistent playing time.<\/p>\n

    For a team suddenly missing a key bat, a productive Smith could be exactly what Atlanta needs to stabilize the lineup early in the season.<\/p>\n

    A Surprise Opportunity<\/h2>\n

    \"Austin<\/p>\n

    What started as a low-risk depth signing may now become one of the Braves\u2019 most important offseason moves.<\/p>\n

    If Dominic Smith keeps hitting the way he has this spring, Atlanta might have unexpectedly solved its designated hitter problem \u2014 at least for the start of the 2026 season.<\/p>\n

    For the Braves, who are already battling injuries and roster uncertainty, finding production from an overlooked signing would be a welcome development.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n

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    <\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

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