03/03/26 08:15:00
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03/03 20:14 CST Atlanta Braves' Jurickson Profar suspended for 2026 season
following second positive drug test
Atlanta Braves' Jurickson Profar suspended for 2026 season following second
positive drug test
By RONALD BLUM
AP Baseball Writer
NEW YORK (AP) --- Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for
the 2026 season by Major League Baseball on Tuesday following his second
positive test for a performance-enhancing drug.
Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, the
commissioner's office said, which means testosterone that was not produced by
his body. Because it was a second offense, the length of Profar's suspension
was 162 games.
The players' association filed a grievance at Profar's request to appeal to
baseball's independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman, a person familiar with
the process told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of
anonymity, because no announcement had been made.
An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following
a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps
production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: "I would never
willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept
MLB's decision."
His agent, Dan Lozano, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
The Braves released a statement that they "were incredibly disappointed" about
the failed drug test.
"Our players are consistently educated about the (MLB Drug Prevention and
Treatment) Program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation,"
the club said. "The Atlanta Braves fully support the Program."
Profar homered in his return from suspension on July 2 and finished with a .245
average, 14 homers, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS in 80 games. He batted .280 in 2024,
when he set career highs with 24 homers, 85 RBIs and an .839 OPS.
Profar said at the start of spring training that he had sports hernia surgery
in November, requiring a six-week recovery time. He has appeared in four spring
training games this year, going 3 for 10 with three RBIs.
Under the suspension, he is ineligible for the postseason and the World
Baseball Classic. A native of Curaao, Profar had been set to play for the
Netherlands.
Profar will lose his $15 million salary for this year as part of a $42 million,
three-year contract through 2027. He lost half his $12 million salary in 2025
due to the initial suspension.
He became the seventh player suspended 162 games for a second PED infraction
after New York Mets pitcher Jenrry Mejia (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 Can
(November 2020) and Milwaukee pitcher J.C. Mejia (September 2023).
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 penalties
started in 2004.
Four players had been suspended previously this year for positive tests,
including free agent outfielder Max Kepler for 80 games under the major league
program following a positive test for Epitrenbolone.
Following the offseason signing of left fielder Mike Yastrzemski to a $23
million, two-year deal, Profar had been targeted to be the Braves' primary
designated hitter.
When catcher Sean Murphy returns from a hip injury, perhaps in May, 2025 NL
Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin could fill in at DH when not behind the plate.
With Yastrzemski, Michael Harris and Ronald Acua Jr. in the outfield, Eli
White could be a DH option. The Braves also are without projected starting
shortstop Ha-seong Kim due to a finger injury. Mauricio Dubon, expected to
serve a utility role, is scheduled to open the season as the starting shortstop.
The loss of Profar could create an opportunity for Dominic Smith, who signed a
minor league deal on Feb. 17.
___
AP Sports Writer Charles Odum contributed to this report.
___
AP MLB: https://apnews.com/hub/mlb
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