On Monday, news broke that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar tested positive for a performance-enhancing drug, leading Major League Baseball to suspend him for 80 games. Mike Rodriguez was the first to report on Profar’s suspension, stating, “Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar tested positive for some substances banned by the MLB and will be suspended.” This was later confirmed by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.
Breaking News: According to my sources, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar tested positive for some substances banned by the MLB and will be suspended. #Braves #JuricksonProfar pic.twitter.com/80rDocJBtG
— Mike Rodriguez (@mikedeportes) March 31, 2025
After the news broke, Profar issued a statement via Molly Knight on Bluesky, expressing his apologies to his Braves teammates. Profar’s baseball journey spans over 20 years, gaining prominence when he helped Curaçao win the Little League World Series in 2004. They returned to the finals in 2005 but were thwarted by a dramatic loss to a team from Hawaii.
In 2009, Profar made his entry into Major League Baseball by signing with the Texas Rangers, where he played for several seasons. He has also represented the Oakland Athletics, the San Diego Padres twice, the Colorado Rockies, and, most recently, the Braves. Atlanta acquired Profar this offseason, but his suspension has thrown everything into uncertainty. An 80-game suspension means he could return before the year ends; however, MLB policy prohibits players suspended for PED use from participating in the playoffs. This leaves Profar in a difficult situation, particularly if the Braves decide to move on, as he cannot assist any other team during this period.
It’s a challenging circumstance that, as always, seems entirely avoidable.
