Atlanta Braves' Jurickson Profar Suspended 80 Games for PED

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a banned performance-enhancing substance under MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The suspension, announced on March 31, 2025, takes immediate effect, sidelining Profar until late July. This development is a significant setback for the Braves, who had signed Profar to a three-year, $42 million contract following his career-best 2024 season with the San Diego Padres, where he posted a .280 batting average, 24 home runs, and 85 RBIs.

Profar expressed deep remorse, stating he never knowingly ingested a banned substance but accepts full responsibility for the violation. The Braves organization conveyed disappointment but reaffirmed support for MLB’s drug policies. Compounding the team’s challenges, the Braves have started the season with four consecutive losses and are also contending with the absence of star outfielder Ronald Acuña Jr. due to injury.

In response, Atlanta has acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Cincinnati Reds to bolster their roster. Profar’s suspension not only affects the Braves’ immediate performance but also raises concerns about the player’s future contributions and the team’s postseason prospects.