Profar leaves game with left wrist injury; X-rays negative

NORTH PORT, Fla. -- Braves left fielder Jurickson Profar¡¯s availability for Opening Day will be determined by the results of an MRI exam.

Profar jammed his left wrist while attempting to make a sliding catch during the fourth inning of Saturday¡¯s game against the Pirates at CoolToday Park. X-rays were negative, but the extent of the ailment won¡¯t be known until an MRI exam is completed.

¡°Those things are always scary when they roll their wrists under like that,¡± manager Brian Snitker said. ¡°It¡¯s usually not a good ending. But hopefully, we dodged a bullet.¡±

Profar ranged into left-center field and his glove seemed to catch in the outfield grass as he slid on his knees. The Braves¡¯ big free agent addition rolled over in pain, grabbed his wrist and remained on the ground while being evaluated by head athletic trainer George Poulis.

¡°George felt like he tested OK, but you never know with those things,¡± Snitker said.

The X-ray results provided some encouragement. But the MRI exam will provide a better look at any potential ligament or tendon damage. Within the past two seasons, Braves third baseman Austin Riley and shortstop Orlando Arcia were both diagnosed with a fractured wrist when an MRI exam was performed after X-rays were negative.

Profar signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves after hitting 24 homers and producing an .839 OPS for the Padres last year. He has been preparing to play left field and serve as Atlanta¡¯s leadoff hitter until Ronald Acu?a Jr. returns from knee surgery at some point in May.

If Profar is unavailable for the start of the season, Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz would be the top two internal options to serve as the Braves¡¯ corner outfielders until Acu?a returns.

2024 Opening Day starter Spencer Strider and five position players from Atlanta¡¯s Opening Day lineup missed at least two months because of injuries last year. Veteran starting catcher Sean Murphy is already expected to begin this season on the injured list with a cracked left rib.