Braves’ Brian Snitker Sends Blunt Message After Jurickson Profar’s Suspension

Braves’ Brian Snitker Sends Blunt Message After Jurickson Profar’s Suspension originally appeared on Athlon Sports.

If the Atlanta Braves eventually turn their disappointing 2025 season around, we may point to the 'Jurickson Profar Game' as its turning point.

Profar returned to the lineup on Wednesday following an 80-game drug suspension, and he immediately showed why the Braves gave him a three-year, $42 million contract. The former No. 1 prospect went 2-for-4 with a home run in Atlanta's 8-3 victory over the Los Angeles Angels.

Rather than criticize his new left fielder or bemoan Profar's lack of postseason eligibility, manager Brian Snitker opted for a different type of message.

"It's kind of nice to have that switch hitter in the middle of the lineup and feel good when he's up there," Snitker said.

.@JURICKSONPROFAR sends a souvenir to the Chop House!#BravesCountrypic.twitter.com/0LQd3TI1xp— Atlanta Braves (@Braves) July 3, 2025

"He's going to have a good at-bat and take some walks," Snitker continued. "That makes the lineup a little longer."

It's the right approach by Snitker. Although we don't know what conversations happened privately—though Profar said he apologized to teammates before the game—we do know that the veteran skipper is standing by the 32-year-old outfielder.

"I know I put them in a very, very tough position," Profar told reporters.

"But again, I'm here and ready to go to the battle with them and give my everything that I got to help us get to the playoffs," the 2024 All-Star added.

Atlanta moved to 39-46 with Wednesday's win. The Braves are still 6 1/2 games behind in the NL Wild Card race, largely because they only had a .523 OPS from their left fielders before Profar's return.

Atlanta finally cut veteran left fielder Alex Verdugo upon Profar's return. Verdugo hit .239 with 12 RBIs, 10 doubles, and a .585 OPS over 213 plate appearances.

Related: 3 MLB Landing Spots for SP Luis Severino Before Trade Deadline

This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.