When Jurickson Profar got suspended, it was the first of many gut punches the Atlanta Braves would suffer during the 2025 season. It set the stage for a revolving cast of characters in left field that did little to stop the bleeding while the losses piled up. As the injuries elsewhere on the roster mounted, the momentum was rolling downhill for the Braves and by the time Profar returned, Atlanta was effectively out of the playoff race.
It didn't help that upon returning, Profar only managed a .709 OPS while hitting .238 mostly out of the leadoff spot during the month of July. When the Braves were looking for signs of life, Profar looked very much like a guy that got an 80 game timeout with the accompanying rust.
Thankfully, it does look like that Profar is turning things around, although he has a long way to go to win over Braves fans again.
Jurickson Profar has been much better in August, but forgiveness from Braves fans will require more
After his two-run homer proved to be the difference in the Braves' sweep-clinching win on Sunday over the Guardians, Profar seems to be fully back and producing again. Coming into August 17, Profar was the proud owner of a .255/.414/.491 line in 15 games this month and that was before going 2-4 with a home run on Sunday.
While the batting average still leaves something to be desired at the top of the lineup, Profar's OBP being north of .400 this month has been a welcome sight and a big reason why Atlanta has been playing so much better lately.
Unfortunately, Profar's return to respectability has come when the stakes are non-existent. Fans still remember the slump that got Atlanta into this position during the first half and Profar's role in that slump. He is going to have to perform well while Atlanta is pushing for a playoff spot to come close to getting this fanbase fully back on his side.
For better or worse, Profar has two more years left on his contract after this season to try and do just that.