Braves DH Jurickson Profar fails second PED test, faces 162-game suspension, per report
CBS Sports
by
Matt Snyder
March 3, 2026
AI-Generated Deep Dive Summary
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar has failed a second consecutive PED test, resulting in a 162-game suspension, as reported by ESPN. This marks the second time Profar has violated MLB's Joint Drug Agreement, with his previous suspension in 2025 already costing him half of last season. The latest suspension will prevent him from playing through the entirety of the 2026 season and potentially impact the Braves' lineup during their push for a playoff spot.
Profar, who had a career year with the San Diego Padres in 2024, signed a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves last offseason. However, his PED suspensions mean he will not receive any compensation during his suspension and is ineligible to contribute to the team's efforts in the postseason. Despite this, Profar was expected to play a key role as the Braves' DH, hitting cleanup in their lineup.
The Braves are now left searching for a suitable replacement for Profar. With catcher Sean Murphy and infielder Ha-Seong Kim sidelined due to surgery, the team's options include Eli White on the current roster or potential free-agent signings like Rowdy Tellez or Justin Turner. The Braves could also explore trades or wait for players to be released during spring training.
Profar's suspension raises questions about MLB's approach to enforcing PED policies and highlights the challenges teams face when key players are sidelined due to off-field issues. His absence leaves a significant gap in the Braves' lineup, potentially affecting their chances of winning the NL East as projected by pre-season forecasts.
The Braves were initially seen as strong contenders for the NL East title, with FanGraphs and Baseball Prospectus projecting them as division favorites. However, Profar's suspension adds another layer of uncertainty to an already competitive division. As the team scrambles to find a replacement DH, their ability to maintain their pre-season expectations will depend on how effectively they can address this unexpected loss.
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Originally published on CBS Sports on 3/3/2026