Atlanta Braves’ Jurickson Profar faces 162-game ban for doping violation
Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after reportedly testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in 12 months.
Significant financial and sporting penalties
The 33-year-old is set to forfeit his entire $15m (£11.9m) salary and has been ruled ineligible for the postseason.
He becomes only the sixth player to receive a full-season ban since Major League Baseball (MLB) toughened penalties for repeat offenders in 2014.
The suspension also rules the Curacao native out of the upcoming World Baseball Classic, where he was scheduled to represent the Netherlands.
A major setback for Atlanta
The loss of the experienced hitter is a significant blow to the Braves as they attempt to recover from a disappointing 76-86 campaign.
Atlanta have already lost starting pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep to elbow injuries ahead of the new season.
This latest development follows a troubled period for the former top prospect, who served an 80-game suspension starting on 31 March last year for using human chorionic gonadotropin.
That specific substance is a hormone typically produced during pregnancy which can encourage testosterone production.
“It is because of my deep love and respect for this game that I would never knowingly do anything to cheat it.”
Jurickson Profar speaking after his first violation
Line-up reshuffle required
The Braves signed the versatile infielder to a three-year deal worth $42m (£33.3m) last January following a career-best season with the San Diego Padres.
Despite missing half of the previous campaign due to his initial ban, he returned in July to hit 14 home runs with 43 RBIs while playing in left field.
Following off-season hernia surgery, the plan was to utilise him as the designated hitter near the top of the order, potentially behind Ronald Acuna Jr.
His absence places increased pressure on key figures including Matt Olson, Austin Riley and new signing Mike Yastrzemski to generate offence.
While catcher Sean Murphy is expected to return, giving rookie Drake Baldwin opportunities in a hitting-only role, the club must now navigate the entire season without their projected number two hitter.