The Atlanta Braves could not have scripted a worse start to the 2025 campaign. Having to face the Los Angeles Dodgers this week hasn’t exactly provided them much relief, either.
The Braves opened the season by being swept in a four-game series against the San Diego Padres. Then, ahead of their first game against the Dodgers on Monday, Major League Baseball announced that their major offseason acquisition in Jurickson Profar tested positive for a banned substance and was suspended for 80 games effective immediately.
If that wasn’t bad enough, Braves All-Star starting pitcher Reynaldo Lopez, who was scheduled to start Wednesday’s game against Los Angeles, was placed on the injured list with right shoulder inflammation.