Los Angeles, CA – Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been handed an 80-game suspension after testing positive for a banned substance, Major League Baseball announced. The suspension will begin on Monday, coinciding with the start of the Braves’ three-game series at Dodger Stadium.
Profar, 32, signed a lucrative deal with the Braves in January to become their everyday left fielder. The outfielder, who put up impressive offensive numbers last season, will be ineligible to participate in the 2025 postseason due to his suspension.
The substance that Profar tested positive for, chorionic gonadotropin, is classified as a performance-enhancing drug. In a statement released by the MLB Players’ Association, Profar expressed his devastation over the situation, claiming that he had never knowingly taken PEDs despite being tested multiple times in 2024.
The Braves organization also released a statement expressing their surprise and disappointment over the news. The team emphasized their support for the MLB’s anti-doping program and hoped that Profar would learn from this experience.
Profar’s absence leaves the Braves in a tough spot, especially with star outfielder Ronald Acuna Jr. still sidelined due to injury. The team made a move to bolster their outfield depth by acquiring Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds.
As the Braves face a challenging start to the season, they will need to rely on their remaining outfield options to step up in Profar’s absence. The impact of Profar’s suspension will undoubtedly be felt as the team navigates through the remainder of the regular season.