Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for the banned substance chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), Major League Baseball announced Monday. The suspension takes effect immediately, making Profar ineligible for the 2025 postseason.
In response, the Braves released a statement expressing their disappointment:
“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. We fully support the Program and are hopeful that Jurickson will learn from this experience.”
Profar also issued a statement through the MLB Players Association, calling it the most difficult day of his baseball career and apologizing to the Braves organization, teammates, and fans.
“I would never knowingly do anything to cheat this game,” Profar stated. “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.”
The 31-year-old signed a three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta in January after a breakout 2024 season with the San Diego Padres, where he hit .280/.380/.459, earning All-Star and Silver Slugger honors. Through four games with the Braves this season, Profar was batting .200/.250/.200.
Atlanta, still searching for its first win of the 2025 season, fell 6-1 to the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers on Monday night, opening a three-game series in Southern California.
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