NEWNow you can listen to Pak Gazette articles!
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is reportedly facing a 162-game suspension from Major League Baseball for a second failed test for a performance-enhancing drug.
Profar, 33, was suspended for 80 games last season in March after a positive test for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that helps with testosterone production. ESPN was the first to report Profar’s second infraction.
Profar issued a statement saying, “I would never voluntarily take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON PakGazette.Com
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar (7) rounds the third round to advance home and score against the Philadelphia Phillies in the sixth inning at Citizens Bank Park in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, on August 30, 2025. (Kyle Ross/Image Images)
Profar intends to ask the MLBPA to file a grievance to appeal any discipline to baseball’s independent arbitrator Martin F. Scheinman, according to The Associated Press. The suspension has not been officially announced and because this would be Profar’s second violation, an appeal would be filed after the suspension was announced.
Profar was an All-Star with the San Diego Padres in 2024 and signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in the offseason. If the suspension stands, he will have missed nearly three-quarters of his first two seasons with the Braves due to substance abuse suspensions.
In 2024, Profar batted .280 with 24 home runs and 85 RBI, all career highs. When Profar returned to the Braves’ lineup on July 2, he was not as productive, batting .245 with 14 home runs and 43 RBIs.
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar (17) hits a sacrifice fly to drive in a run in the first inning against the Boston Red Sox during spring training at CoolToday Park in North Port, Florida, on February 27, 2026. (Jonathan Dyer/Image Images)
If the Braves make the postseason, Profar would be ineligible to play. Originally from Curacao, Profar was scheduled to play for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic, but is also ineligible for that.
Profar would also lose his entire $15 million salary this season.
He would be the seventh player suspended for 162 games for a second PED violation after New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejía (July 2015), Cleveland outfielder Marlon Byrd (June 2016), free agent catcher Cody Stanley (July 2016), Houston pitcher Francis Martes (February 2020), Mets second baseman Robinson Canó (November 2020) and Milwaukee pitcher JC Mejía (September 2023).
CLICK HERE TO DOWNLOAD THE Pak Gazette APP
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar (7) hits an RBI single in the eighth inning against the Detroit Tigers at Comerica Park in Detroit, Michigan, on September 20, 2025. (Rick Osentoski/Image Images)
Mejia received a lifetime ban in February 2016 after a third positive test, the only player to be given a permanent ban since drug testing with sanctions began in 2004.
The loss of Profar leaves a void in the Braves lineup, as he was expected to be the primary designated hitter.
Related article
