Jurickson Profar Faces 80-Game Suspension After Testing Positive for PED

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has tested positive for a banned substance, resulting in an 80-game suspension starting this Monday as the Braves begin their series at Dodger Stadium. Major League Baseball reported Profar’s positive test for chorionic gonadotropin, a drug known to enhance performance.

Profar is set to rejoin the Braves lineup on June 29 against Philadelphia, but part of his suspension means he will not be eligible for the 2025 postseason.

At 32 years old, Profar signed a $1 million deal with the San Diego Padres in February 2024, where he achieved the best offensive season of his career, posting a .280/.380/.459 slash line with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs over 158 games. The Braves then secured this former Padre for $42 million over three years in January, assigning him the role of everyday left fielder.

In a statement released by the MLB Players’ Association, Profar expressed that Monday marked “the most difficult day of my baseball career,” describing his devastation over the news. Profar emphasized that he had undergone eight PED tests in 2024, none of which were positive.

Profar stated, “This is particularly painful as anyone familiar with me or my playing style knows my deep passion for the sport.” He continued, expressing his love for playing alongside teammates and becoming a fan favorite, and apologized to the Braves organization, his teammates, and supporters. Profar affirmed that out of respect for the game, he would never deliberately cheat.

The Braves published a statement on X, expressing shock and disappointment over Profar’s positive test for a banned substance, violating Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program. The team remains supportive of the Program and hopes Profar learns from the experience.

Chorionic gonadotropin, the banned substance Profar tested positive for, is a hormone that stimulates testosterone production, as noted by the Cleveland Clinic, referenced by The Associated Press.

Profar’s suspension comes without pay and follows a tough four-game sweep against the Padres in which the Braves scored a mere seven runs, staying scoreless for the final 22 innings.

With Profar’s absence, the Braves face a challenging time. Ronald Acuna Jr. is still sidelined for at least another month. Currently, Jarred Kelenic and Bryan De La Cruz are sharing the right field spot in Acuna’s absence. Profar’s absence may also prompt the Braves to consider Alex Verdugo, who recently signed a $1.5 million deal and is currently in the minors for at-bats.

To fill the immediate gap, the Braves acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations earlier on Monday, adding him to their 40-man roster. Fairchild is expected to join the team on Tuesday, leaving the Braves one player short against the Dodgers on Monday night.