According to baseball insider Mike Rodriguez, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is being suspended for 80 games for violating Major League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug policy. ESPN’s Jeff Passan later confirmed the suspension, while the MLB released a statement shortly after saying he tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG). The suspension is effective immediately, and this is his first offense.

A free agent this past winter, Profar signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves after revitalizing his career with the San Diego Padres in 2024.

Following stints with the Texas Rangers, Oakland A’s, the Coloardo Rockies, and four seasons with the Padres before his second time around, Profar found a groove in left field with San Diego last year, posting a .280/.380/.459 slash line with a .839 OPS and a 134 OPS+. He walked 76 times compared to 101 strikeouts and belted a career high 24 home runs with 85 RBIs. He was named to his first All-Star game, received some MVP votes, and earned the NL Silver Slugger Award for his efforts. His 3.8 fWAR ranked first among all left fielders last season.

Profar released a statement through the MLBPA:

This spring with the Braves, Profar put together a .250/.382/.393 slash line while collecting four doubles and two RBIs across 28 at-bats. Through his first four games with Atlanta, the Curacao native has gone 3 for 15 (.200) with no extra base hits while striking out three times. He has suited up in left field in all four games.

With Profar now on the sidelines for the foreseeable future, the Braves will turn to Bryan De La Cruz and Jarred Kelenic to bridge the gap while still waiting for Ronald Acuna Jr. to return from injury. Marcell Ozuna can also suit up in the corner outfield spot, but he has been the team’s primary designated hitter to start the campaign.

Once Profar’s suspension is over (through June), he will be ineligible for the postseason should the Braves advance.