Alex Verdugo Reportedly DFA'd By Braves Ahead of Jurickson Profar's Return to Roster

With Jurickson Profar eligible to return from suspension on Wednesday, the Atlanta Braves are parting ways with struggling outfielder Alex Verdugo.

Per The Athletic's Ken Rosenthal, Verdugo has been designated for assignment to clear a spot on the 26-man roster for Profar.

On March 31, MLB announced Profar received an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. He was a big offseason acquisition for the club when he signed a three-year, $42 million contract.

The PED suspension also means Profar would be ineligible for the postseason if the Braves qualify. Atlanta has not yet officially activated him to the 26-man roster, but he is eligible to play against the Los Angeles Angels on Wednesday night.

Profar hit .333/.407/.583 in 13 games at Triple-A as part of his minor-league rehab assignment that started on June 17.

Verdugo was a late free-agent signing, joining the Braves on a one-year, $1.5 million deal on March 20. He was coming off a down season with the New York Yankees in 2024.

Things never clicked for Verdugo in Atlanta. The 29-year-old hit .239/.296/.289 in 213 plate appearances this season. Among the 229 players with at least 200 plate appearances, he ranks 217th in wRC+ and is one of four players without a home run.

Given the limited market for Verdugo in the offseason and his struggles at the plate so far in 2025, there's no obvious landing spot for him if he clears waivers.

Verdugo could find a home for a team looking for a lefty hitter as part of an outfield platoon. He is a .278/.332/.437 hitter in his career against right-handed pitching.