Spring Training is supposed to be the time when optimism starts to build - fresh arms, clean slates, and clubhouse buzz about October dreams. But for the Braves, the early storylines out of camp have been less about breakout potential and more about the injury report.
The latest concern centers around Hurston Waldrep, the promising young right-hander who’s now seeking a second opinion after an MRI revealed loose bodies in his elbow. It’s a frustrating development for both Waldrep and the Braves, who were hoping to see him push for a role in the big-league rotation or bullpen this spring.
Any elbow issue is going to raise red flags, especially for a pitcher with Waldrep’s upside. The Braves will proceed with caution - as they should - but this is certainly a situation to monitor closely.
Meanwhile, Jurickson Profar revealed that he underwent offseason surgery to address a groin injury that lingered late into last season. The good news?
He’s not expected to miss time. In fact, he’s gearing up to represent the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, joining Braves teammates Ozzie Albies and Chadwick Tromp on the international stage.
So while the surgery was significant enough to address, it’s not keeping him off the field.
Still, the timing and nature of the injury may have influenced the Braves’ offseason strategy. The front office made a point to add defensive versatility and outfield depth, bringing in Mike Yastrzemski and Mauricio Dubón - two players who bring more glove-first profiles to the roster.
That could shift Profar primarily into a designated hitter role, something he’s reportedly not thrilled about. And really, who would be?
Most players - unless they’re full-time DHs - want to be out there in the field.
“To be honest, I don’t think any player is raising their hand, unless they’re a full-time DH, to say, ‘Yeah, I mean, that’s what I want to do,’” Braves manager Walt Weiss said. “He’s a great teammate.
We’ve had this conversation. [President of baseball operations Alex Anthopoulos] even called him before he signed Yastrzemski to clear it with him.”
It’s a telling quote, and one that speaks to the organization’s respect for Profar and his place in the clubhouse. But the numbers don’t lie - Profar’s glove hasn’t exactly been a strength.
Last season, he ranked in the 8th percentile in Outs Above Average and the 13th percentile in Arm Value. That’s not quite Marcell Ozuna territory, but it’s not far off either.
And with Profar now entering his age-32 season and coming off surgery, it’s fair to wonder how much outfield time he’ll realistically see.
That said, this isn’t a one-dimensional situation. Profar can still play the outfield when needed, and Weiss has already indicated he plans to rotate players through the DH spot to keep regulars fresh. It’s a long season - 162 games of wear and tear - and having a flexible DH strategy could pay dividends down the stretch.
For now, the Braves will continue to evaluate Waldrep’s elbow, monitor Profar’s recovery, and sort through the roster puzzle that comes with balancing defense, health, and lineup depth. Spring Training may be off to a bumpy start, but there’s still plenty of time to get things sorted before the real games begin.