Major League Baseball announced on Tuesday that Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for the entire 2026 season after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time. The suspension covers 162 games, reflecting the league’s stricter enforcement against repeated violations in the MLB PED suspensions program.
The commissioner’s office identified the banned substance as exogenous testosterone, along with its metabolites, indicating testosterone administered from an external source rather than naturally produced by Profar’s body. As this is his second offense, MLB imposed the lengthy suspension to uphold its drug prevention policies.
Background on Profar’s Previous Suspension and Appeal Efforts
Profar, who made the All-Star team in 2024, previously served an 80-game suspension starting last March due to a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that stimulates testosterone production. At the time, Profar accepted responsibility for his actions, stating,
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I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.
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Following this recent announcement, the players’ union has filed a grievance on Profar’s behalf to appeal the suspension through MLB’s independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman, according to a source familiar with the process who requested anonymity pending a formal statement.
Reactions from the Braves Organization and Profar’s Performance Details
The Atlanta Braves issued a statement expressing deep disappointment regarding Profar’s failed test. They emphasized their commitment to educating players about MLB’s Drug Prevention and Treatment Program and stressed compliance with its rules. The club said,
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Our players are consistently educated about the (MLB Drug Prevention and Treatment) Program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation,
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and added,
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The Atlanta Braves fully support the Program.
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Profar had returned from his previous suspension with a home run on July 2 and completed the season with a .245 batting average, 14 home runs, 43 RBIs, and a .787 OPS. His 2024 campaign was stronger, posting a .280 average, career highs with 24 home runs, 85 RBIs, and an .839 OPS. Prior to the start of this spring training, Profar revealed he underwent sports hernia surgery in November 2025, which required six weeks of recovery. He has participated in four spring training games so far this year.
Consequences Extend Beyond the Regular Season
The current suspension will also make Profar ineligible for postseason play as well as the upcoming World Baseball Classic. Originally from Curacao, he was scheduled to represent the Netherlands in the international tournament, though this opportunity will now be lost due to the suspension.
Pittsburgh Pirates’ Spring Training Victory and Player Performances
Elsewhere in Grapefruit League action, the Pittsburgh Pirates secured a 7-1 win over Colombia on Tuesday in Bradenton, Florida. Leadoff hitter Jake Mangum contributed two hits in three at-bats, including a double and two RBIs. Konnor Griffin added a run-scoring double in the third inning, helping the Pirates build a 2-0 lead.
Jhostynxon Garcia played a key role in a three-run fourth inning with a clutch RBI double marking his outstanding spring performance of seven hits in eleven at-bats, with a home run, three RBIs, and six runs scored entering the game.
Starting pitcher Jose Urquidy held Colombia scoreless over three innings, striking out three batters and walking one. Relievers Justin Lawrence and Wilber Dotel each maintained the shutout for an inning, with Dotel facing a bases-loaded situation where he unexpectedly issued three consecutive walks but escaped without surrendering a run.
The Pirates are scheduled to face the St. Louis Cardinals Thursday afternoon, with pitcher Mitch Keller expected to start.
Philadelphia Phillies Outfielder Challenges Potential Suspension
In New York, Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas is contesting a likely 80-game suspension following an alleged positive test for a performance-enhancing drug. MLB and the players’ association have a confidential appeal process conducted before public announcements regarding first-time offenses.
At 25 years old, Rojas made his major league debut in 2023 and was removed from the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic roster, as confirmed by team general manager Nelson Cruz. Last season, Rojas posted a .224 batting average with one home run, 18 RBIs, and 12 stolen bases. He was sent down to the Triple-A Lehigh Valley team in early August and did not return to the Phillies for the remainder of the year. Rojas has started the current spring training hitting 1-for-11 and holds a career batting average of .252 with six home runs, 73 RBIs, and 51 stolen bases across 250 games.
Kansas City Royals Sign Veteran Starling Marte
The Kansas City Royals announced a one-year, $1 million contract with two-time All-Star Starling Marte for the 2026 season. The team expects the experienced right-handed hitter to provide valuable depth off the bench and against left-handed pitching.
Now 37, Marte has accumulated a .285 career batting average along with 163 home runs, 667 RBIs, and 361 stolen bases over his 14 seasons with various franchises, including the Pittsburgh Pirates, Arizona Diamondbacks, Miami Marlins, Oakland Athletics, and New York Mets.
Team USA’s World Baseball Classic Pitching Starters Revealed
San Francisco Giants pitcher Logan Webb will start for Team USA in their opening game of the World Baseball Classic on Friday against Brazil, as announced by manager Mark DeRosa in Phoenix. DeRosa also indicated that defending American League Cy Young winner Tarik Skubal is expected to follow with a start against Britain on Saturday. The National League Cy Young recipient, Paul Skenes, is scheduled to start on Monday versus Mexico.
