Profar, 32, signed a three-year, $42 million contract with the Braves after a career season with the San Diego Padres that resulted in his first All-Star appearance. He established career highs with 24 home runs and an .839 OPS, and the Braves signed him this winter to be their starting left fielder.
MLB announced that Profar tested positive for chorionic gonadotrophin, or hCG, a fertility drug popular as a masking agent in PED use. Its use in MLB dates as far back as 2009, when slugger Manny Ramirez served a 50-game suspension after testing positive for hcG. The drug is commonly used by athletes to start a body’s natural testosterone production after PED use.
The MLB Players Association released a statement on behalf of Profar.
‘Today is the most difficult day of my baseball career,’ says Profar. ‘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.
‘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.’