Image Credit: Mike Lang / Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

Why Did Jurickson Profar Get Banned? How Long Will Atlanta Braves’ Star’s Suspension Last?

The Braves remain winless in their first four games.

Image Credit: Mike Lang / Sarasota Herald-Tribune / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images

After starting the new MLB season with four consecutive losses, the Atlanta Braves received bad news on Monday, March 31, 2025. The league announced suspension for outfielder Jurickson Profar after he tested positive for a banned substance.

Profar signed a three-year deal with the Braves last offseason after having the best season of his career. While playing for the San Diego Padres, he recorded 158 hits, 24 home runs, and 85 RBIs, with a .280 batting average, .459 slugging percentage, and .839 OPS—all career highs. His performance earned him his first All-Star selection and first Silver Slugger Award.

At 32 years old, Profar had a quiet start to the current season. Facing his former team in a four-game series, the left fielder managed only three hits in 16 at-bats (.188 batting average), scoring two runs but failing to drive in any.

Why Was Jurickson Profar Banned?

Profar’s violation of MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program was due to the presence of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in his test results. The substance, which can enhance athletic performance, has been banned by MLB since 2008.

Profar later released his own statement via the MLB Players Association, stating, “Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career.”

“It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it,” he said in the statement. “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.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

The @MLBPA is releasing the statement below on behalf of Jurickson Profar. pic.twitter.com/BIQ7jc9BP9
— MLBPA Communications (@MLBPA_News) March 31, 2025

How Long Will Jurickson Profar’s Suspension Last?

The league announced an 80-game suspension for the outfielder for violating the league’s PED policy. Following his suspension, he is expected to be eligible to return on June 28, in the second game of a three-game series against the Philadelphia Phillies.

Also Read: Roki Sasaki’s Emotional Dodgers Debut Ends in Tears, But He’s Exactly Where He Needs to Be

Born in Curaçao, Profar made his MLB debut in 2012 with the Texas Rangers as an infielder. After six seasons with the team, he was traded to the Oakland Athletics. That same year, he joined the Padres, later had a brief stint with the Colorado Rockies, and then returned to San Diego.