Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games without pay following a positive test for a banned substance. Major League Baseball announced that Profar tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (HCG), a drug that can be used as a masking agent to boost testosterone levels in men after steroid use.
HCG is primarily used as a fertility treatment for women but has been linked to performance-enhancing drug cases in baseball before. The suspension is effective immediately, making Profar ineligible to return until June 29, when the Braves face the Philadelphia Phillies. Additionally, he will lose $5.8 million of his $12 million salary and will not be eligible for postseason play.
The Braves, already dealing with outfield concerns, now face further challenges. Ronald Acuña Jr., a key member of the team, remains sidelined due to injury, leaving the Braves with a diminished lineup. Profar’s absence is expected to force Atlanta to explore internal options or look for a mid-season acquisition to reinforce the roster.
Profar expressed deep disappointment following the suspension, stating that he would never knowingly cheat the game. He described the situation as the most difficult moment of his career and apologized to his teammates, the Braves organization, and the fans. In his statement, he emphasized his passion for the game and insisted that he had never knowingly taken a banned substance.
The veteran outfielder highlighted that he had been tested multiple times throughout his career, including eight times last season, without any prior issues. Despite his insistence that he did not knowingly ingest the substance, he accepted full responsibility for the suspension and acknowledged Major League Baseball’s decision.
Profar, 32, was coming off a career-best season, having been named an All-Star and winning a Silver Slugger award. He hit .280 with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs for the San Diego Padres before signing a three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta in the offseason. His performance last season had raised expectations for his role with the Braves, making his suspension a significant setback for both him and the team.
With Profar unavailable for nearly half the season, the Braves must now adjust their plans. The team may rely on internal players to step up or explore trade options to fill the gap in the outfield. The situation also puts additional pressure on the remaining healthy outfielders to perform at a high level as the team competes in a highly competitive National League.
The suspension marks another instance of a high-profile player facing disciplinary action under the league’s drug prevention and treatment program. Over the years, multiple players have been caught using banned substances, with some receiving lengthy suspensions and permanent damage to their reputations.
While Profar remains adamant that he did not knowingly use a banned substance, the consequences are severe. His return later in the season will depend on his ability to stay prepared while serving the suspension, and he will have to work hard to regain the trust of his team and fans. The Braves, meanwhile, must find a way to navigate the next 80 games without one of their key offseason acquisitions.
