Braves' Spencer Strider Has Candid Response to Jurickson Profar Suspension

Strider refuses to let Profar's absence become an excuse for the Braves in 2026.

Published on Mar. 4, 2026

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Atlanta Braves starting pitcher Spencer Strider expressed surprise at the news of outfielder Jurickson Profar's second performance-enhancing drug suspension, which will keep Profar out for the entire 2026 season. However, Strider made it clear that the team cannot let Profar's absence become an excuse, saying it's just another form of adversity they must overcome.

Why it matters

Profar's suspension leaves a significant hole in the Braves' lineup, which has already dealt with injuries to other key players. Strider's response shows the team's determination to not let this latest setback derail their 2026 season after a disappointing 2025 campaign.

The details

Profar was hit with an 80-game suspension last year in his first season with the Braves, and now he will miss all 162 games this season plus the playoffs due to another positive PED test. Strider acknowledged the team was surprised by the news, but he refused to let it become an excuse, saying the Braves must "go back to what you were doing" and focus on the rest of spring training and the 2026 season.

  • Profar was suspended for 80 games last year.
  • Profar was suspended for the entire 2026 season on March 4, 2026.

The players

Spencer Strider

A starting pitcher for the Atlanta Braves who has taken a leadership role in responding to the team's adversity.

Jurickson Profar

An outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who was suspended for the entire 2026 season due to a second positive performance-enhancing drug test.

Spencer Schwellenbach

A Braves pitcher who will start the 2026 season on the injured list.

Hurston Waldrep

A Braves pitcher who will start the 2026 season on the injured list.

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What they’re saying

“You've got to go back to what you were doing. To me, it's like an injury, it's like anything else. We still have the rest of spring and our 2026 season. That's where our focus is going to be. It's where it was before we found out about that, and nothing's changed in that regard.”

— Spencer Strider, Braves Starting Pitcher (MLB.com)

“I don't know that I have a word for what this is. From my perspective, and from the perspective of the team, it's adversity. It's something that we can choose to acknowledge, put to bed, and move on from, or we can let it become an excuse. ... It's an emotional thing, but that can't linger.”

— Spencer Strider, Braves Starting Pitcher (MLB.com)

What’s next

The judge in Profar's case will decide on Tuesday whether to allow him to be released on bail pending his appeal.

The takeaway

Strider's response shows the Braves' determination to not let Profar's suspension become an excuse, even as the team deals with other key injuries. The ability to overcome adversity will be crucial if the Braves hope to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.