Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been hit with a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug. The penalty, which goes into effect Friday, would sideline him for the entire 2026 season, including any potential postseason games, and cost him his annual salary if upheld. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic reported that the Players Association plans to challenge the suspension and the union will file a grievance.
If imposed, the suspension would leave the Braves without an important piece of the outfield. However, the grievance process could delay the start of any ban while the case moves through MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.
For the Braves, the news creates immediate roster questions as they adjust plans heading into the season. Profar was projected to play a significant role in the lineup, and the club will now need to explore internal and external options to fill the gap.
Another outfielder has violated the league’s policy, as Johan Rojas of the Philadelphia Phillies failed a performance-enhancing drug test. He received an 80-game suspension.
