Braves’ Jurickson Profar faces 162-game suspension for second positive drug test, source tells AP
NEW YORK (AP) — Atlanta outfielder Jurickson Profar faces a 162-game suspension from Major League Baseball for a possible second failed test for a performance-enhancing drug, a person familiar with the matter told The Associated Press on Tuesday.
The person spoke on condition of anonymity because the trial, first reported by ESPN, was ongoing.
Announcement
Profar plans to ask the players’ association to file a complaint to appeal any discipline to baseball’s independent arbiter, Martin F. Scheinman, a second person familiar with the process said, also on condition of anonymity because no announcement has been made.
Since this would be Profar’s second offense, an appeal will be made after the suspension is announced.
A 2024 All-Star, Profar was suspended for 80 games on March 31 following a positive test for chorionic gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that helps produce testosterone. He then released a statement saying, “I would never voluntarily 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.
Announcement
Profar homered in his return from suspension on July 2 and finished with a .245 average, 14 homers, 43 RBI and a .787 OPS in 80 games. He batted .280 in 2024, when he set career highs with 24 homers, 85 RBI 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 appeared in four spring training games this year, going 3-for-10 with three RBIs.
Originally from Curaçao, Profar was expected to play for the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic.
Under the suspension, he would be ineligible for the postseason.
Announcement
Profar would lose his $15 million salary for this year as part of a three-year, $42 million contract through 2027. He lost half of his $12 million salary in 2025 due to the initial suspension.
He would be the seventh player suspended 162 games for a second PED offense following 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 Canó (November 2020) and the Milwaukee pitcher JC Mejia (September 2023).
Mejia received a lifetime ban in February 2016 after a third positive test, the only player to receive a permanent ban since sanctioned drug testing began in 2004.
Four players were suspended earlier 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.
Announcement
Following the offseason signing of left fielder Mike Yastrzemski to a two-year, $23 million contract, Profar had been tapped to become 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 he’s not behind the plate.
With Yastrzemski, Michael Harris and Ronald Acuña Jr. in the outfield, Eli White could be a DH option. The Braves are also without starting shortstop Ha-seong Kim due to a finger injury. Mauricio Dubon, expected to play a utility role, is expected to open the season as the starting shortstop.
The loss of Profar could create an opportunity for Dominic Smith, who signed a minor league contract on Feb. 17.
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AP Sports Writer Charles Odom contributed to this report.
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