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Written by: E. George
Published April 3, 2025 @ 4:05 PM ET
FULTON COUNTY, Ga. – Jurickson Profar, an outfielder for the Atlanta Braves, has been handed an 80-game suspension by Major League Baseball (MLB) after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug (PED). The league’s announcement came on Monday, revealing that Profar violated MLB’s drug prevention and treatment policy by testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that plays a role in stimulating testosterone production.
Profar’s suspension, effective immediately, will cause him to forfeit a significant portion of his $12 million salary. As a result, he stands to lose over $5.8 million. The 32-year-old will be ineligible to participate in the postseason this year, and he is scheduled to return to the field on June 29, barring any schedule changes.
The suspension marks a setback for both Profar and the Braves, who had high hopes for the veteran outfielder when they signed him to a three-year, $42 million deal during the offseason. Profar was coming off a stellar 2024 campaign with the San Diego Padres, where he earned his first All-Star selection and posted career-high numbers, including 24 home runs and 85 RBIs.
In a statement, Profar expressed regret and disappointment, emphasizing that he had always played the game with integrity and would never intentionally cheat. He apologized to his teammates, the Braves organization, and the fans, insisting that he had never tested positive for a banned substance throughout his career until this instance.
Profar’s suspension is the latest in a series of challenges facing the Braves, who have struggled with injuries early in the season. The team’s most notable injury concerns include outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr., who is recovering from a torn ACL and is not expected to return until at least May. The Braves were already dealing with a rough start to the season, having been swept in a four-game series by the San Diego Padres.
Manager Brian Snitker acknowledged the disappointment of losing Profar, calling it a “tough” situation. However, he also noted that the team would use the opportunity for another player to step up and contribute during Profar’s absence.
On the same day Profar’s suspension was announced, the Braves made a roster move, acquiring outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds. Fairchild, who was traded for cash considerations, will provide additional depth to the team’s outfield.
The Braves’ woes didn’t end with Profar’s suspension, as starting pitcher Reynaldo López was also placed on the injured list due to shoulder inflammation. López’s absence further complicates the Braves’ efforts to recover from a challenging start to the season.
Despite these setbacks, the Braves are focusing on the present, with players like first baseman Matt Olson and third baseman Austin Riley expressing their commitment to turning things around. As the team navigates these obstacles, they remain hopeful that the roster will rally to overcome the challenges ahead.
Profar’s suspension is the fourth of the year under MLB’s performance-enhancing drug policy, with previous suspensions affecting minor league players. Profar’s case, however, highlights the ongoing scrutiny of drug use in the sport, serving as a reminder of the league’s firm stance on PED violations.