“Most difficult day of my career,” Jurickson Profar left ‘devastated’ after receiving 80-game SUSPENSION from MLB following positive PED test

The MLB handed an 80-game suspension to Jurickson Profar after he was tested positive for using a banned substance, hCG.

“Most difficult day of my career,” Jurickson Profar left ‘devastated’ after receiving 80-game SUSPENSION from MLB following positive PED test

Jurickson Profar (Image via Forbes)

On Monday, the Atlanta Braves were dealt a massive blow. Their new recruit, Jurickson Profar was handed an 80-game suspension from the MLB after he tested positive for a Performance Enhancing Drug (PED) test. The 32-year-old later released a statement and called it the “most difficult day” of his career.

Profar had his best career year last season with the San Diego Padres. The outfielder hit 24 home runs and was one of the top performers of the team. Following the end of the 2024 season, he became a free agent and signed with the Braves on a 3-year $42 million deal.

Profar’s signing was seen as a boost to the Braves offense as the team were still without their superstar Ronald Acuna Jr. The 2023 National League MVP is still sidelined with the knee injury he suffered last year and is expected to be back by the month of May.

The team will now have to play without Profar until the end of June. He was tested positive for Human Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG) substance. As a violation of the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program, Profar was banned by the league for 80 games.

Following his ban, he released a statement via the MLB Players’ Association. In his statement, the outfielder apologized for his actions and expressed that he was ‘devastated‘ with the outcome.

Braves fans, Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career. I am devastated to announce that I have been suspended for 80 games by Major League Baseball and the Commissioner’s Office, for testing positive for a banned substance this offseason… I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans.

Jurickson Profar said as a part of his statement

This development comes after the Braves got swept 4-0 by Profar’s former team in the opening series. Profar went 3-for-15 in this series and struggled at the plate in his return to Petco Park. The Braves then ended up losing on Monday as well and are 0-5 for the 2025 season.

Manny Machado extends support to Jurickson Profar following 80-game ban from league

Jurickson Profar’s suspension from the MLB came as a major surprise to everyone. Fans on social media were left shocked to hear about this development. While there were some wild reactions from them, San Diego Padres star Manny Machado extended his support towards him.

Jurickson Profar and Manny Machado
Jurickson Profar and Manny Machado (Image via X/@propitlikeit)

Machado and Profar formed a deep bond with each other during Profar’s time in San Diego. While speaking to the reporters after their 5th successive win of the season, the 6-time MLB All-Star claimed it was “tough” to swallow this.

Yeah, I mean, that’s obviously a tough one to swallow, right? It just sucks to hear it. Profar is always going to be my best friend, and I’m going to support him no matter what and, um, you know, be right by his side on this tough, tough, tough, um, tough journey he’s going to be on.

Manny Machado said

The Atlanta Braves also released a statement later on regarding this. In the statement, the team admitted that they were “shocked” to hear about this. However, the 2022 World Series winners extended their support to the decision by the league and claimed that the player would learn from this experience.

Braves manager breaks silence regarding Jurickson Profar’s suspension

Jurickson Profar’s suspension from the league for using a banned substance stole all the headlines on Monday. With the player facing a lengthy ban just after four games into the new season has disrupted the plans of the Atlanta Braves. A few hours after his ban, the team manager Brian Snitker broke his silence regarding this massive development.

Jurickson Profar
Jurickson Profar (Image via X/@JustBB_Media)

As per reports from MLB.com, Snitker found about Profar’s suspension in morning. The 69-year-old later pointed out that he spoke with him, who expressed remorse regarding his actions. The manager then claimed that it was an opportunity for someone else on the team to grab this chance.

I spoke to the guys and I spoke to Jurickson this afternoon also. We hate it for him, our club and our team. 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.

Brian Snitker said as per MLB.com

The Braves now have to find a player to fill out the left field and the leadoff hitter spot which is now vacant following his suspension. As for now, the team are expected to rely on Stuart Fairchild, Jarred Kelenic, Bryan De La Cruz and Michael Harris II to operate as the outfielders in his absence.

The team can later turn their attention to Alex Verdugo, who was signed late in the Spring Training. The former New York Yankees and Los Angeles Dodgers star is still a few weeks away for being ready for major league action.