Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has tested positive for banned substances by MLB, according to reports.
The former San Diego Padres star has been handed an 80-game suspension after testing for a Performance Enhancing Drug banned by the league, MLB insider Mike Rodriguez first reported.
Jon Heyman later reported that the banned drug in question was human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) – a hormone produced by the placenta during pregnancy.
Profar acknowledged the suspension in an apology to Braves fans, but denied willingly taking the banned substance.
‘Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career,’ he wrote in a statement Monday evening. ‘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.
‘This is especially painful for me because anyone who knows me and has seen me play knows I am deeply passionate about the game. There is nothing I love more than competing with my teammates and being a fan favorite.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has tested positive for banned substances by MLB
The former San Diego Padres star has been handed an 80-game suspension by the league
‘I want to apologize to the entire Braves organization, my teammates, and the fans. It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it.
‘I have been tested my entire career, including eight times last season alone, and have never tested positive. I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.
‘I am devastated that I won’t be on the field with my teammates for the next 80 games. I look forward to competing again at the highest level this season upon my return.’
The ban comes just four games into the Braves’ 2025 season – the 32-year-old’s first with the franchise.
Profar inked a three-year deal worth $42 million with Atlanta when his long free agency came to a close in January.
The contract came after a breakout season with the Padres, in which Profar hit .280/.380/.459 (134 OPS+) with 24 home runs, earning him his first All-Star nod last year.
However, the Braves were swept by Profar’s former team in their opening four-game series last week.
The left fielder appeared in each game in San Diego, going 3 for 15 with a walk and three strikeouts
The Braves entered the week one of four winless teams left in MLB, facing the Los Angeles Dodgers Monday night.
Banned hCG is reportedly a masking agent used to restart natural testosterone after a steroid cycle.
This article was originally published by a www.dailymail.co.uk . Read the Original article here. .