Atlanta Braves OF Jurickson Profar suspended 80 games for violating MLB's PED policy

MLB announced Monday it has suspended Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar 80 games for violation of the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Insider Mike Rodriguez first reported the suspension.

Profar tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a performance-enhancing substance, per Jon Heyman of MLB Network. Profar, who signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves this offseason, is suspended through June. Should the Braves (0-4) qualify for the postseason this year, Profar will not be eligible to play.

“We were surprised and extremely disappointed to learn that Jurickson Profar tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program,” the Braves said in a statement. “We fully support the Program and are hopeful that Jurickson will learn from this experience.”

Profar, 32, was coming off his best season to date in MLB. In 158 games with the San Diego Padres last season, he slashed .280/.380/.459, hitting a career-high 24 home runs. Profar drove in 85 runs and earned his first career All-Star nod. San Diego swept Atlanta in the season-opening series, Profar going 3-for-15 with a walk.

Jurickson Profar issues statement on MLB suspension

Profar released a statement of his own through the MLB Players Association. He said he never willingly took a banned substance but accepts the suspension.

“Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career. I am devastated to announce that I have been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball and the Commissioner’s Office, for testing positive for a banned substance this offseason,” Profar wrote. “This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game. There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite.

“I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans. It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.

“I am devastated that I won’t be on the field with my teammates for the next 80 games. I look forward to competing again at the highest level this season upon my return.”

The Braves are in a tough spot. Already awaiting the return of 2023 National League MVP Ronald Acuña Jr. — who suffered a torn ACL last May — they’re now to be without Profar for an extended period of time. It’s the unfortunate reality for the Braves, who have Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz, Eli White, Alex Verdugo and the newly acquired Stuart Fairchild as options to provide help in the outfield.