NORTH PORT (DA) — Jurickson Profar says he is healthy and ready to go as he begins spring training with Atlanta, with the designated hitter spot expected to be part of his early-season workload.
Asked about his offseason during a media scrum, Profar said, “Very good, very good. I’m healthy and ready to go.”
Profar said his focus this spring is simple: “Just come here and get ready for the season.”
He acknowledged last season was difficult for both him and the club. “Last year wasn’t a really good year for me and the team,” Profar said, before adding, “the team is looking really, really good this year.”
Profar said he had surgery in November and estimated it took about six weeks before he felt good again. He said he then returned to his normal offseason routine.
Profar said the issue bothered him late last season. “Yes, the last month of the season,” he said, adding he played through it and later couldn’t push through once he began his offseason workouts.
Asked where it was, Profar said it was “in the groin area.”
Profar also said he plans to play in the World Baseball Classic. “This is going to be my third time doing it,” he said. “It’s always a little different playing for your country, a little different baseball, but it’s very, very fun so I’m looking forward to that.”
He said he’s excited about playing with teammates involved in the event and added, “I think we’re going to beat him,” referring to playing against Ronald Acuña and Venezuela in the World Baseball Classic.
Profar also talked about playing for Andruw Jones as manager. “Really good, really good,” Profar said. “He was a Hall of Famer for a long time, but he finally got in.”
Profar said he has known Jones since he was young. “That’s the guy that we all follow, we all look up to,” he said. “Now we’re going to have him as our manager, so it’s really exciting to play for him.”
Atlanta manager Walt Weiss has projected Profar to fill the DH spot frequently early in the season, leaning into the flexibility the position can provide.
According to Mark Bowman, when asked if he is fine to begin the season as the DH, Profar reacted by gritting his teeth and smirking, making it clear he is not excited about the role.
Profar hit .245 with 14 home runs, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 80 games with Atlanta last season.