LOS ANGELES — Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar, the team’s biggest offseason signing, tested positive for the performance-enhancing drug Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), which is a substance in violation of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Profar is suspended for 80 games without pay, MLB said.
Profar’s suspension is effective immediately. He will be eligible to return to regular-season games at the conclusion of the suspension, but will be ineligible for the postseason if the Braves make it.
Profar won’t be able to return until June 29 against the Phillies at Truist Park.
The Major League Baseball Players Association released a statement on behalf of Profar that read:
“Braves fans,
Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career. I am devastated to announce that I have been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball and the Commissioner’s office, for testing positive for a banned substance this offseason. This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game. There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite.
I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans. It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it. I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.
I am devastated that I won’t be on the field with my teammates for the next 80 games. I look forward to competing again at the highest level this season upon my return.”
The Braves released their own statement: “We were surprised and extremely disappointed to learn that Jurickson Profar tested for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program. We fully support the Program and are hopeful that Jurickson will learn from this experience.”
Profar was not in Los Angeles to answer questions as his suspension begins. He flew back to Atlanta.
Chorionic gonadotropin is a hormone used as a fertility medication. It can increase testosterone production. It also can reverse certain side effects of anabolic steroid use in males. Years ago, slugger Manny Ramirez also tested positive for hCG.
Braves manager Brian Snitker said he learned of the news Monday morning. Snitker said he talked with the team, and then separately with Profar.
“I hate it for him and the club and our team,” Snitker said. “But Major League Baseball has their program and we honor that. We’re just kind of going to afford an opportunity for somebody else for 80 games.”
Did Profar seem remorseful?
“Yes, he hated it,” Snitker said. “We hate it for him. It was good to talk to him.”
Over the offseason, the Braves signed Profar, 32, to a three-year, $42 million contract — their largest move of the winter. With Ronald Acuña Jr. completing his rehab process after ACL reconstruction surgery, Profar has been Atlanta’s leadoff hitter.
Profar went 3-for-15 over the four games in San Diego, his former home. The Braves lost all four games and are in Los Angeles for three games against the Dodgers.
The news came hours after the Braves acquired outfielder Stuart Fairchild from the Reds for cash considerations — a curious depth move that would raise eyebrows. Now, we know why the Braves brought in Fairchild, who will report to the club Tuesday.
Right before the end of spring training, the Braves signed outfielder Alex Verdugo to a major-league deal worth $1.5 million. Verdugo was optioned to Triple-A Gwinnett because he hadn’t had a spring training before signing with Atlanta. Now, it’s difficult to envision the Braves going too long without adding Verdugo to the big-league clubhouse.
Snitker said Verdugo is still working toward playing. He hasn’t played a game in the outfield yet.
In 2024 with the Padres, Profar hit a career-high 24 home runs during an All-Star campaign. He also set career highs in RBIs (85) and OPS (.839).
At the time the Braves signed him, president of baseball operations and general manager Alex Anthopoulos said the team believed Profar had unlocked sustainable power with lower-half adjustments. In their internal rankings, the Braves had Profar as the second-best free-agent bat. Profar, a tough at-bat with an ability to get on base, nicely complements the rest of the Braves’ lineup.
On Monday, Snitker put Michael Harris II in the leadoff spot. Jarred Kelenic started in right field, while Bryan De La Cruz started in left field.
The Braves have a clubhouse full of veterans who have experienced a lot. This is a new one for them.
“They’ve been tasked with handling a lot of things the last few years,” Snitker said. “They’re a really good group about doing it, they’re going to keep fighting and working. Like I say, I always look at that or an injury or anything as just an opportunity for somebody else to step in and do something really good.”
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