It feels like deja vu for the Atlanta Braves. In March of last year, a half-season suspension was handed down to Jurickson Profar for violating MLB’s PED policy. In March of this year, the exact same thing has happened again.
It was announced on Tuesday that Profar is set to be suspended for the entire 2026 season, leaving him without the opportunity to play in this month’s World Baseball Classic, and leaving the Braves without a key outfielder and switch-hitting bat. It’s safe to say the team is not happy with what transpired.
On the same day the suspension news dropped, the Braves confirmed it later that night. The tone of the ball club’s statement was one of pure disappointment, and it could be felt through everyone’s screens.
We were incredibly disappointed to learn that Jurickson tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and is in violation of MLB’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. Our players are consistently educated about the Program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation. The Atlanta Braves fully support the Program.
Using a strong adverb like “incredibly” before exclaiming their disappointment in the matter certainly points to a level of annoyance on part of the team. The Braves also made sure to point out that they frequently tell their players to avoid banned substances, making sure they are “educated” on the league’s program.
Atlanta Braves now have to find platoon replacement to pair with Mike Yastrzemski
Profar missed half of the 2025 season due to a different PED suspension, which came down right at the start of the Braves’ season. Atlanta had to scramble to replace him, as he had already been signed to cover for Ronald Acuña Jr. during his injury recovery. Profar ended up appearing in 80 games for the Braves last season, with 79 of those coming as their left fielder.
In 2026, Profar was expected to split time with offseason signing Mike Yastrzemski in left field. Profar would start against left-handed pitching, while Yastrzemski would do the opposite. Now, the Braves will once again be scrambling to find a worthy replacement who can do that job. And they might have to look outside the current roster to do that.
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