A 2024 MLB All-Star has been hit with a significant suspension just days into the new season.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has tested positive for a banned substance, according to multiple reports. As a result, he is being suspended for 80 games due to the violation of MLB’s PED policy.
The Braves confirmed the news in a statement, saying in part that they were “surprised and extremely disappointed” by Profar’s positive test.
Profar himself also issued a statement in which he said “today is the most difficult day of my baseball career” and added that “I would never willingly take a banned substance.” He also said that he had been tested throughout his entire career, including eight times last season, and had never tested positive before.
The 32-year-old Profar was an All-Star as well as a Silver Slugger Award winner last season for the San Diego Padres. He hit .280 with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases in 158 total games. Profar then left to sign with the Braves in free agency over the offseason.
A switch hitter, Profar had been serving as Atlanta’s starting left fielder to begin the 2025 campaign. While he was only batting .200 with no home runs or RBIs through four games, his absence for the next 80 games will really hurt the Braves.
In addition to the outfield, Profar, who has also played for the Rangers, the Athletics, and the Rockies during his MLB career, can slot in at both middle infield positions. He had been hitting in the leadoff spot for the Braves to start the season as well, an important role to fill given Ronald Acuña Jr’s continued recovery from an ACL tear.
Also known for having somewhat of a temper and for his fondness for trolling opposing fans, Profar is now himself the one who is being trolled over his surprising PED suspension. With Profar formally out of commission until at least July, Atlanta will have to turn to some combination of Bryan De La Cruz and Eli White in left until Acuña is ready to return (at which point Jarred Kelenic will likely shift from right field over to left field).
