Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar has been suspended for 162 games without pay after testing positive for a performance-enhancing substance, marking his second violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program. The news was first reported by @JeffPassan of ESPN.
The 162-game ban represents a full regular season and is the standard penalty for a second-time offender under the current collective bargaining agreement between MLB and the MLB Players Association. Profar, who joined the Braves to provide veteran depth in the outfield, will be ineligible to participate in any Major League games or postseason contests during the length of the suspension.
This disciplinary action follows a previous violation of the league's drug policy, though the specific timing and substance involved in the prior incident were not immediately detailed in the initial reports. The Braves organization has not yet released an official statement regarding the roster move or the long-term future of the outfielder with the club. Under the terms of the policy, the suspension begins immediately, removing a key piece from the Atlanta lineup as the season progresses.
This is a developing story. Check back for updates.
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