The Atlanta Braves entered 2026 spring training expecting Jurickson Profar to provide regular at-bats after missing 80 games in 2025 due to a PED suspension. Upon his return last season, Profar produced a .248/.358/.446 batting line with 14 home runs and a 13.2% walk rate across 355 plate appearances. However, Profar now faces a second PED-related suspension, which carries a mandatory 162-game penalty for repeat offenders. While Profar and the MLBPA plan to appeal, precedent suggests complete overturn is unlikely, with reductions being rare. The Braves simultaneously lost shortstop Ha-Seong Kim to hand surgery and pitchers Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep to elbow procedures, compounding roster challenges.
"Of course, we now know that Profar isn't likely to play a single game in 2026. He's staring down yet another PED-related suspension, and the punishment for second-time offenders jumps from 80 games to 162 games. Profar and the MLBPA appear intent on appealing the ban, but there's no precedent for a suspension being completely overturned."
"The Braves are now also without Profar, who'd been in line for regular at-bats and was hoping to build off the sound .248/.358/.446 batting line (126 wRC+) he logged in 355 plate appearances upon returning from last year's suspension. The veteran switch-hitter walked at a huge 13.2% clip and only struck out in 15.8% of his plate appearances."
"The Braves are already down their shortstop and two rotation arms this spring. Ha-Seong Kim required surgery to repair a tendon in his hand after slipping on some ice in the offseason. Righties Spencer Schwellenbach and Hurston Waldrep both underwent elbow surgery to remove loose bodies and/or bone spurs."
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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