Overview
- Jurickson Profar, who signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves in January, tested positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a substance banned under MLB's drug policy.
- The 80-game suspension is effective immediately, making Profar ineligible for postseason play and costing him approximately $5.8 million in salary this season.
- Profar apologized publicly, claiming he never knowingly took a banned substance but accepted full responsibility for the violation.
- The Braves, already 0-4 to start the season, are facing further challenges with Ronald Acuña Jr. still recovering from an ACL injury and not expected back until May.
- Atlanta is considering roster adjustments, including utilizing Alex Verdugo, who was recently signed to bolster outfield depth.