Atlanta Braves' Jurickson Profar Faces 162-Game Suspension for PED Use

Jurickson Profar, an outfielder and designated hitter for the Atlanta Braves, has been suspended for the entire 2026 MLB season following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. Major League Baseball announced the suspension after Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone, which is testosterone not produced by the body. This marks a significant setback for the Braves, as Profar was anticipated to be a key player in their lineup, potentially batting second behind Ronald Acuña Jr.

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Braves manager Walt Weiss expressed disappointment over the suspension but maintained a positive outlook, drawing parallels to the team's resilience during the 2021 season when they overcame Acuña's knee injury to win the World Series. Weiss stated, "The moral of the story is something good is likely to come from the bad news," emphasizing that opportunities will arise for other players in Profar's absence.

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This is not the first time Profar has faced disciplinary action for substance use. He was previously suspended for 80 games on March 31, 2025, after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a hormone that aids testosterone production. Following that suspension, Profar publicly accepted responsibility, stating, "I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB's decision."

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In light of Profar's suspension, Weiss indicated that the Braves would need to adapt their lineup. Catcher Drake Baldwin, who was named the 2025 NL Rookie of the Year, is expected to fill the designated hitter role, while Mike Yastrzemski, signed to a two-year, $23 million deal in the offseason, will likely take on a starting position in the outfield alongside Acuña and Michael Harris. Weiss noted that the designated hitter spot would be "fairly fluid" as the team adjusts.

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Eli White may also step in as the fourth outfielder, and Mauricio Dubon will start at shortstop until Ha-Seong Kim recovers from a finger injury. Weiss reassured fans that the team remains focused and prepared for the upcoming season, stating, "It doesn't change anything about our camp. There'll be opportunities created because of this."

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Weiss has not yet communicated with Profar regarding the suspension, despite previously praising his leadership qualities after last year's suspension. He reiterated his support for Profar, stating, "He was a really good teammate last year, and was a good player for us." The Braves are now preparing for the season while awaiting the outcome of Profar's appeal against the suspension.

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While Weiss remains optimistic, the situation has drawn criticism from various quarters, particularly regarding the implications of repeated substance abuse by players in Major League Baseball. The ongoing debate about the effectiveness of current drug policies and their enforcement continues to be a contentious issue within the sport.

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• “The moral of the story is something good is likely to come from the bad news,” — Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves

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• “doesn't change anything we do here. We're getting ready for our season, and it doesn't change anything about our camp. There'll be opportunities created because of this. It's not something that we would choose but that's where we're at, and it's onward. That's the message, and we have a professional group. They're handling it really well and very focused.” — Walt Weiss, Manager, Atlanta Braves

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• “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB's decision.” — Jurickson Profar, Outfielder, Atlanta Braves

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