Braves’ Profar Suspended for 80 Games: A Devastating Blow to Atlanta’s Hopes
Los Angeles, CA
The Atlanta Braves’ 2025 season hit a major roadblock on Monday when Jurickson Profar, the team’s newly-signed outfielder, was handed an 80-game suspension after testing positive for the performance-enhancing substance Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG). For the veteran, it was a crushing blow, but for the Braves, the fallout from this suspension runs much deeper, adding a layer of uncertainty to an already rocky start to the season.
Just hours after hearing the news, Braves manager Brian Snitker shared his disappointment but also his resolve. “We hate it for him, our club, and our team,” Snitker said. “But Major League Baseball has their program, and we honor that. It’s just going to afford an opportunity for somebody else for 80 days.”
The 32-year-old Profar, who had signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January, will now be sidelined until July, and potentially for the rest of the season if the Braves make the playoffs. The suspension is a major setback for a team already dealing with the absence of Ronald Acuña Jr., who is recovering from knee surgery.
While the Braves look to fill the void in left field and in the leadoff spot, they face the additional challenge of navigating the drama that comes with Profar’s suspension. The team quickly called up Stuart Fairchild from the Reds and will rely on a patchwork outfield that includes Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz, and Michael Harris II. But as far as the Braves’ players are concerned, there’s little time to dwell on the setback.
“It’s unfortunate, but we’ve got to play baseball,” said Braves third baseman Austin Riley, downplaying the controversy and focusing on the game ahead.
In a statement, the Braves expressed their shock and disappointment, reaffirming their commitment to MLB’s drug prevention program. Meanwhile, Profar himself issued a heartfelt apology to the Braves organization and fans, taking full responsibility for his actions. “I would never willingly take a banned substance,” Profar said, emphasizing his love for the game and the pain of not being able to compete for the next 80 games.
Profar’s suspension not only puts a significant dent in the Braves’ outfield but also raises questions about the pressure athletes face to perform at the highest level. Will Profar’s return be met with redemption, or will this moment be a lasting shadow over his career?
