
ESPN's Jeff Passan reports that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is being suspended for 80 games for violating the league's performance-enhancing drug policy, according to sources. Profar parlayed his career year with the San Diego Padres in 2024 into a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves in the offseason, but he played in only four games for the Braves to open the 2025 season before being hit with an 80-game PED suspension. It's a big blow for the Braves offense, especially with former MVP Ronald Acuna Jr. (knee) not expected to make his debut until May after tearing his ACL in 2024. With Profar suspended, the Braves acquired Stuart Fairchild on Monday from the Reds to give them extra outfield depth. With Profar out for the foreseeable future, expect Bryan De La Cruz to see most of the playing time in left field in Atlanta.

Miam Marlins left-hander Ryan Weathers (forearm) is scheduled to ramp up his throwing progression this week, according to Fish On First's Kevin Barral. Weathers suffered a flexor strain in his left forearm late in spring training and was forced to open the 2025 season on the 15-day injured list. The 25-year-old southpaw should be stashed in deep-mixed and NL-only leagues, but he still has a ways to go to ramp up his arm and may not make his season debut until late April or early May, barring any setbacks. Weathers' season was interrupted last year due to injury as well, as he landed on the 60-day IL due to a left index finger strain. He looked good when he wasn't hurt, though, sporting career-best strikeout and walk rates while going 5-6 with a 3.63 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 80:24 K:BB in 86 2/3 innings over 16 starts. A rotation spot will be waiting for the post-hype sleeper when he returns from his forearm injury.

Kansas City Royals starting pitcher Kris Bubic was fantastic in his first start of the season, striking out eight Brewers without giving up a run in the Royals' 11-1 win. The outing was great to see for the 27-year-old, who has spent most of the past two seasons in Kansas City's bullpen. It also was a great turnaround after a subpar Spring Training in which Bubic threw for a 5.40 ERA. Fantasy managers shouldn't expect Monday's outing to be the norm for Bubic going forward as ATC projections expect him to throw for a 4.16 ERA. However, there are worse options fantasy managers could find on the waiver wire. If he's available on the waiver wire then fantasy managers should pick him up if space is available. His next scheduled start is Sunday against the Baltimore Orioles, most certainly a tougher test than the Milwaukee Brewers.

Chicago White Sox starting pitcher Martin Perez was masterful on Monday, throwing six hitless innings and picking up the win in Chicago's 9-0 victory over the Twins. Perez did walk three batters but ultimately was spectacular in his White Sox debut. It's a great sign to see for the 33-year-old after putting up a 4.53 ERA in 2024. ATC projections still expect Perez to pitch to a 4.59 ERA this season, but if today's performance is any indication then there may be some silver linings to the many opportunities the White Sox are likely to give Perez this season. Fantasy managers should look to add Perez if he's on the waiver wire, though they shouldn't expect him to be a driving force to their lineup's success.

Atlanta Braves outfielder Bryan De La Cruz is in Monday night's lineup against the Dodgers, getting his first start of the season. De La Cruz will bat seventh and face Dodgers' starter Tyler Glasnow. The 28-year-old only has two at-bats this season and hasn't received much opportunity so tonight will be a good chance for him to make an impact as the Braves look for a spark to get them their first win of the season. De La Cruz hasn't had much success against Glasnow in his career going 0-3 against him. Fantasy managers shouldn't rush to get him into their starting lineups and DFS managers should do what they can to avoid him until he proves himself.
