Braves host Team Colombia amid Profar suspension fallout

Southwest Florida turned into an international baseball hub as multiple World Baseball Classic teams arrived for exhibition games ahead of the tournament. Colombia faced the Atlanta Braves in North Port, drawing fans from near and far.

Jorge Atehortua, a dedicated fan, shared his excitement.

"I flew from Colombia yesterday for this game and I'm going back tomorrow," said Atehortua.

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Tommy Zeeb, a freshman at State College of Florida, also attended the game, proudly displaying his support.

"Repping the culture. I love baseball but I love to represent my country more," said Zeeb.

Zeeb explained his choice of attire, opting for a soccer jersey instead of a baseball one due to cost.

"The baseball jerseys were expensive so I had to bring these from the reserves," said Zeeb. "We're not really a baseball country. We're more of a soccer country. But on the coast, we got some good players."

Jorge Atehortua discussed the growing interest in baseball among Colombian youth.

"Kids especially in the north part of the country are getting more and more interested in playing and stuff. And they are following the baseball leagues in the states," said Atehortua.

In Major League Baseball news, Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar faces a 162-game suspension after failing his second PED test. Braves third baseman Austin Riley addressed the situation.

"It's unfortunate. You know I think where my mind went and hopefully where the clubhouse went, we got an ultimate goal and a job to do. We got to come in here and push forward," said Riley.

Braves first baseman Matt Olson also commented on the situation.

"Stuffs going to happen over the course of a year. We just go to put our head down and do our thing," said Olson.

Former FGCU star and current Braves pitcher Chris Sale discussed the suspension with his 15-year-old son.

"Those are easy conversations to have cause they're important to have. And I want him to know. I don't want him to hide," said Sale. "I don't need my son to get to 22 years old and see that for the first time. Right? Let's talk about it so you're aware of it and educate him on it. And obviously when he gets to the age where he makes his own decisions, hopefully he'll make the right ones."

Even if the Braves reach the playoffs this season, Profar will not play until 2027 as the suspension includes the postseason.

Braves beat Team Colombia 9-1.