MLB Suspends Jurickson Profar After Positive Drug Test

31 Mar at 6:24 pm

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MLB Suspends Jurickson Profar After Positive Drug Test \ Newslooks \ Washington DC \ Mary Sidiqi \ Evening Edition \ Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for a banned substance. MLB officials confirmed the presence of hCG, a performance-enhancing drug, in violation of league policy. Profar’s suspension begins immediately, sidelining him until late June.

Jurickson Profar Suspension – Quick Looks

Braves outfielder suspended 80 games for PED violation
Tested positive for hCG, a banned substance
MLB announced penalty under joint drug prevention program
Suspension is without pay and effective immediately
Eligible to return on June 29, pending no postponements
hCG is known to restore testosterone production post-steroid use
Profar becomes latest MLB player to face drug suspension
Blow to Braves’ roster early in the 2025 season

Deep Look

The Atlanta Braves were dealt a major early-season blow when Major League Baseball announced on Monday that outfielder Jurickson Profar would be suspended for 80 games without pay after testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG)—a banned performance-enhancing drug under the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

The news reverberated across the baseball world, not only because of Profar’s on-field contributions but because it marks another chapter in MLB’s ongoing campaign to uphold a drug-free sport.

What Is hCG and Why Does MLB Ban It?

Chorionic Gonadotrophin, or hCG, is a hormone more commonly associated with pregnancy tests but also frequently abused by athletes looking to boost testosterone production—especially after using anabolic steroids. hCG can act as a recovery aid, allowing the body to restart natural testosterone production that is suppressed during or after steroid cycles.

Because of this potential abuse, MLB includes hCG on its list of banned substances. It’s categorized alongside other drugs that are not directly anabolic but may amplify or conceal the effects of steroid use. This isn’t a new development—players like Manny Ramirez have previously faced bans for the same substance, highlighting its longstanding scrutiny.

What It Means for the Braves

For the Braves, the loss of Profar is more than a statistical hit—it’s a disruption in depth, leadership, and chemistry. Profar, who joined the Braves as a veteran utility outfielder, was expected to be a steady contributor with both his bat and glove. His flexibility in the field made him a key component in manager Brian Snitker’s rotational plans.

Now, the team will need to re-evaluate its roster strategy through June 29, Profar’s earliest possible return date. Depending on how the schedule unfolds, and whether any games are postponed, that return could be pushed further.

The club could look internally, tapping minor leaguers or bench depth, or turn to free agency or trade options to bridge the gap. Either way, it’s a personnel challenge at a time when the team hoped to be building early momentum in a competitive NL East.

Financial and Reputational Fallout

The 80-game suspension is without pay, meaning Profar forfeits a significant portion of his 2025 salary. But the financial implications pale in comparison to the reputational hit.

For a player like Profar—once regarded as a top prospect and known for his upbeat clubhouse presence—the suspension casts a long shadow. It raises questions about performance sustainability and decision-making, particularly for a player who’s fought to stay relevant across multiple MLB rosters.

It may also affect future contract negotiations, sponsorship opportunities, and how teams assess risk when considering veteran signings.

MLB’s Ongoing Battle Against PEDs

Profar’s suspension adds to a long list of MLB’s PED enforcement history. While steroid scandals of the 1990s and early 2000s forced the league into reform, MLB now operates under one of the most rigorous anti-doping policies in professional sports.

Under the current Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, players are tested randomly, year-round, with severe penalties for violators:

80 games for a first offense
162 games for a second offense
Lifetime ban for a third offense

This system is supported by both MLB and the MLB Players Association (MLBPA) and is considered a cornerstone of maintaining the sport’s credibility.

Profar’s case reinforces MLB’s message: no player is exempt, regardless of role, tenure, or reputation.

What’s Next for Profar?

As of this writing, Jurickson Profar has not publicly commented on the suspension. In past PED cases, players have issued a range of responses—from full apologies to appeals and denials.

Should Profar appeal (if he hasn’t already), the process would involve an arbitration panel, but MLB’s announcement indicates the suspension is finalized and effective immediately, suggesting that the appeal window may have passed or been waived.

The Braves have not issued a formal statement, though it’s expected they’ll address the situation in upcoming media sessions. The team may also face questions from fans and reporters about internal testing, education efforts, and player support systems.

Impact on Team Morale and Playoff Aspirations

While the regular season is long, every early loss can snowball in a division as competitive as the National League East. The Braves must now restructure their outfield defense, juggle batting orders, and compensate for Profar’s absence on and off the field.

Moreover, Profar had been seen as a bridge between younger talent and veterans, offering light-hearted energy and experience—something that’s harder to replace than stats on a scoresheet.

Veteran presence matters in a 162-game season, and losing someone of Profar’s stature—especially under controversial circumstances—can disrupt locker room morale and media narratives.

Final Thoughts

This suspension is not just a personal setback for Jurickson Profar; it’s a reminder of MLB’s ongoing zero-tolerance approach to PED use and the challenges athletes face in balancing performance with compliance.

For the Braves, it’s a curveball early in the season—but one they’ll have to adjust to fast if they want to stay on pace in the playoff race.

As for Profar, he’ll need to focus on rehabilitation—physically, reputationally, and professionally—if he hopes to return and make a meaningful impact come summer.