In a significant development for Major League Baseball, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a performance-enhancing drug. The suspension, effective immediately, sidelines Profar until June 29, and renders him ineligible for the 2025 postseason.

Profar, 32, joined the Braves in January on a three-year, $42 million contract following a standout season with the San Diego Padres, where he achieved career highs with a .280 batting average, 24 home runs, and 85 RBIs. ​

In a statement released through the MLB Players Association, Profar expressed his devastation, asserting that he never knowingly took a banned substance and emphasizing his respect for the game. He apologized to the Braves organization, his teammates, and fans, accepting full responsibility and MLB’s decision.

The Braves organization responded with surprise and disappointment, reiterating their support for MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and expressing hope that Profar will learn from this experience. ​

As the Braves navigate this challenging situation early in the season, they will need to adjust their roster to compensate for the loss of Profar’s offensive and defensive contributions. This suspension underscores MLB’s ongoing commitment to maintaining a level playing field and the serious consequences players face when violating the league’s drug policies.​