Braves could be without prized free-agent addition for start of season

Per the Associated Press, Profar "landed awkwardly on his arm while trying to make a diving catch." (h/t ESPN)

"Initial X-rays on Profar were negative, and the Braves said he would undergo further testing," the AP continued.

The team's most significant offseason addition, Atlanta can't afford to have Profar miss time or be limited because of the injury.

Per Baseball Reference, the Braves were No. 22 in outfielder wins above replacement (WAR) in 2024. They particularly struggled on the corners, finishing the season No. 27 in left field WAR (-2.1) and No. 25 in right field WAR (-1.8).

Profar, a 12-year MLB veteran, was named an All-Star for the first time last season with the Padres. Last season, he slashed .280/.380/.459 with 24 home runs and 29 doubles. Per FanGraphs, he finished 2024 No. 24 in batting WAR (4.3). He signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves on Jan. 23.

Injuries have been a common refrain throughout Profar's career. In March 2014, the then-ascending Rangers star suffered a shoulder injury and was initially ruled out 10 to 12 weeks, only to reaggravate the injury in late May, forcing him to miss the entire season.

In February 2015, he experienced another setback, requiring season-ending surgery.

Profar also suffered concussions in 2018 and 2022, the latter requiring him to be carted off the field on a stretcher.

There was also the time when Profar took a cleat to the face, but that only required a bandage.

Profar has three weeks to heal before Atlanta opens the regular season, which could be enough time depending on the severity of his injury.

The Braves begin the season with a four-game road trip against Profar's former team, the Padres, from March 27-30.