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The latest exciting Alex Verdugo development on the farm

Originally posted on SportsTalkATL | By Chase Irle | Last updated Apr 9, 2025 12:09 PM ET

With Jurickson Profar suspended for PEDs, the Braves desperately need a couple of outfielders to step up until Ronald Acuña Jr. returns from injury.

Last night, that guy was Jarred Kelenic, who reached base in all four of his plate appearances, drawing three walks to go along with a single. It was a considerable change in approach for a guy who has really struggled to begin the season. Perhaps he’s aware that if he doesn’t start performing, he’ll find himself working out the kinks in Gwinnett very soon.

Speaking of Gwinnett, Alex Verdugo was recently added to the Stripers roster after signing with the Braves late in the offseason. He’ll soon make his way to Atlanta, and this swing is exactly why.

#Braves outfielder Alex Verdugo, making his third "rehab" start in Triple-A Gwinnett as he ramps up for the season, hits his first homer of the year for the Stripers! pic.twitter.com/xP49m2IUlW

— Braves Today (@braves_today) April 8, 2025

Alex Verdugo has appeared in three games for the Stripers, recording a 1.000 OPS over eight at-bats. Within the next couple of weeks, it’s reasonable to expect him to join the Braves, and he could play a rather significant role for the club this season.

Dating back to 2019, Verdugo has appeared in 748 major-league games and racked up nearly 12 WAR. He’s not an All-Star by any means, and he really struggled last season with the Yankees, but he’s been a more than capable starting outfielder for his entire career and is still just 28-years-old. He also mashes right-handed pitching, boasting a .781 OPS for his career.

A change of scenery can oftentimes do wonders for a player. New York isn’t for everyone, and Verdugo will have every opportunity to stick in the lineup until Jurickson Profar returns. The monetary incentive is there for him as well. With a good season in Atlanta, he could parlay that into a lucrative contract next offseason, much like Profar did ahead of this season.

This article first appeared on SportsTalkATL and was syndicated with permission.

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