Braves Manager Disappointed by Profar Suspension

Suspension creates opportunity for others to step up, says Weiss

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Atlanta Braves manager Walt Weiss expressed disappointment over Jurickson Profar's suspension for the 2026 season following a second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. However, Weiss remains determined to keep a positive outlook, saying the suspension will create opportunities for other players to step up, just as the team overcame the loss of Ronald Acuña Jr. in 2021 to win the World Series.

Why it matters

Profar was expected to be a key part of the Braves' lineup, potentially batting second behind Acuña. His suspension is a significant blow, but Weiss believes the team can overcome it, as they've done before when facing adversity.

The details

Profar was suspended by Major League Baseball on Tuesday for his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. As a result, he will miss the entire 2026 season. Weiss said the team will have to prepare to be without Profar all year, even though he plans to appeal the suspension. Catcher Drake Baldwin and outfielder Eli White may see increased playing time in Profar's absence.

  • Profar was suspended by MLB on Tuesday, March 4, 2026.
  • Profar was previously suspended for 80 games in March 2025 following a positive test for a different banned substance.

The players

Walt Weiss

The manager of the Atlanta Braves, having taken over the role in November 2025 after Brian Snitker's retirement.

Jurickson Profar

An outfielder and designated hitter for the Atlanta Braves who was suspended for the 2026 season following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug.

Ronald Acuña Jr.

A star outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who missed significant time in 2021 due to a knee injury, but the team still went on to win the World Series that year.

Drake Baldwin

The 2025 NL Rookie of the Year, who served as the designated hitter in Wednesday's exhibition game against Team Colombia.

Eli White

An outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who may see increased playing time with Profar's suspension.

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What they’re saying

“The moral of the story is something good is likely to come from the bad news. It just tends to happen that way. Someone's gonna step up, someone's gonna get an opportunity. In 2021, the day we lost Ronald, nobody's picking that option. And nobody's taking this option. But guess what, and I truly believe that something good will come of this.”

— Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves (cbsnews.com)

What’s next

The judge will decide on Tuesday whether to allow Profar's appeal of the suspension.

The takeaway

The Braves have shown resilience in the past when facing adversity, and Weiss believes the team will find a way to overcome Profar's suspension and create new opportunities for other players to step up and contribute.