MLB imposes 162-game suspension on Braves outfielder Profar for second drug policy violation

Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar, who previously served a half-season suspension for doping, has once again tested positive for banned substances.

Major League Baseball announced today that Profar has been suspended for 162 games for violating the league's Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program after testing positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites. As a second-time offender, Profar will serve an unpaid 162-game suspension and is ineligible for any postseason or World Baseball Classic games. The Braves will not be required to pay his $15 million salary for the year.

MLB stated that the suspension will take effect on Friday. According to The Athletic reporter Ken Rosenthal, citing sources familiar with the matter, the Players Association will file an appeal. First-time offenders may have their suspension stayed during the appeal process, but this does not apply to second-time offenders. However, Rosenthal reported that this appeal will be "expedited."

The Braves released a statement saying: "We are extremely disappointed to learn that Jurickson Profar has tested positive for a banned substance and violated the league's Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Our players are consistently educated about this program and the consequences of violations. The Atlanta Braves fully support the program."

Profar was previously suspended for 80 games last year. He left the Braves' spring training camp last weekend and was originally scheduled to represent the Netherlands in the World Baseball Classic this week. In a warm-up game against the Orioles today, he was removed from the Netherlands team roster.

Profar signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January 2025. After playing only 4 games for Atlanta, he faced his first suspension. He returned on July 2 after serving that suspension and posted a .245 batting average, .353 on-base percentage, and .434 slugging percentage over the remaining 80 games of the season.