According to ESPN insider Jeff Passan, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for performance-enhancing drugs. If Passan's report is accurate, this will be the second time in two years that Profar has been suspended. He was docked 80 games in 2025 after testing positive for PEDs last March.
The Braves 2026 outlook had already gotten off to a rocky start after both Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep were lost to the IL with elbow injuries. Now, without Profar's bat in the batting order, Atlanta faces the harsh reality that their lineup has a gigantic hole to fill. In 80 games last season, Profar hit .245/.353/.434 with 14 home runs and 43 RBI.
Braves lose Jurickson Profar to 162-game PED suspension
The Braves added Mike Yastrzemski earlier this offseason, so the outfield should be covered in Profar's absence. But without the switch hitting Profar in the lineup — and no Marcell Ozuna — Atlanta is will have to realign their bats with the season just weeks away.
Profar profiled as the team's designated hitter this season. With Yastrzemski, Michael Harris II, and Ronald Acuña Jr. patrolling the outfield, Profar's best bet for routine at-bats would be filling in for Ozuna at DH — something he was already balking at.
Major League Baseball's Drug Prevention and Treatment Program essentially employs a three strikes and you're out rule. The first such suspension is for half of a season (80 games) — which Profar served last year. A second offense results in a 162-game ban, and if Profar screws up and tests positive a third time, he'll be out of the league for good.
Braves manager Walt Weiss is left to pick up the pieces, and with Ha-Seong Kim set to the open the year on the IL, the new skipper was already shorthanded. Will Alex Anthopoulos make a move before Opening Day? Braves fans are undoubtedly hoping that's the case.