Padres Star Jurickson Profar Receives 80-Game Suspension for PED Violation Profar Calls It the “Most Difficult Day” of His Career
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been handed an 80-game suspension without pay following a violation of Major League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug (PED) policy.
MLB Announces Suspension for Positive hCG Test
On Monday, MLB confirmed that Profar tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), breaching the league’s joint drug prevention and treatment program. The suspension takes effect immediately, making him ineligible to play until June 29, when the Braves face the Philadelphia Phillies. Additionally, Profar will forfeit $5,806,440 of his $12 million salary and will be ineligible for the postseason.
Profar Issues Statement, Denies Intentional Use
In response to the ban, Padres Star Jurickson Profar expressed deep disappointment, emphasizing that he would never knowingly cheat.
“This is the most difficult day of my baseball career. Anyone who knows me understands how passionate I am about the game,” he said. “There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite.”
He also apologized to the Braves organization, his teammates, and fans, stating:
“I would never knowingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision. I have been tested my entire career—including eight times last season—and have never tested positive before.”
Profar’s Career Highlights & Impact on Braves
The 32-year-old outfielder had a stellar season last year with the San Diego Padres, earning an All-Star selection and a Silver Slugger Award. He batted .280 while achieving career highs with 24 home runs and 85 RBIs. His strong performance led to a three-year, $42 million deal with the Atlanta Braves in the offseason.
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Increasing PED Violations in MLB
Profar becomes the fourth player suspended in 2025 under MLB’s PED policy, with previous violations occurring in the minor league system and international leagues.
In 2024, two Major League players were penalized for PED use:
- Noelvi Marté (Cincinnati Reds): The highly regarded 22-year-old infielder received an 80-game ban after testing positive for boldenone.
- Orelvis Martínez (Toronto Blue Jays): Suspended two days after his MLB debut on June 23, following a positive test for clomiphene, a known performance-enhancing substance.
With Profar’s suspension, the Braves face a significant lineup adjustment, losing a key offensive asset for half the season.
