Jurickson Profar Reportedly Fails PED Test, Faces Suspension Amid Braves’ Slow Start

Even with stringent PED testing throughout MLB, there are always a handful of players annually who believe they can skate by the system.

This year’s case appears to be Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar. Per MLB insider Mike Rodriguez, Profar has allegedly tested positive for “some substances banned by MLB.” Rodriguez also wrote that Profar will be suspended for an unspecified amount of time. Jeff Passan later reported that the suspension will last 80 games.

Profar came to the Braves in the offseason on a 3-year deal worth $42 million. Last season for the San Diego Padres, Profar was named to the All-Star team. He set career-highs in batting average (.280), HRs (24), and RBIs (85).

San Diego’s financial situation resulted in Profar seeking employment elsewhere. The Braves pounced on Profar, and deemed him a great fit for the ballclub. Ironically enough, Atlanta began their season against the Padres in San Diego. Profar, the team’s left fielder, started all four games during the set. He batted leadoff in each of those games — compiling three hits in 15 at-bats.

Surely, more news will come out pertaining to this story. The timing of this news comes at a time which is less-than-ideal for Atlanta. San Diego swept the four-game set — and now the Braves are traveling up north to play the reigning World Champion Los Angeles Dodgers. To make matters even more stressful, the Dodgers have started the year 5-0. They’re the first defending champ to start the next season 5-0 since the 1985 Detroit Tigers accomplished the same feat.

Additionally, during this five-game span against the Detroit Tigers and the Chicago Cubs, the Dodgers have scored more than 30 runs, have drawn more than 20 walks, have hit more than 10 HRs, have struck out more than 55 batters, and have committed zero errors.

No team in the history of professional baseball has ever accomplished this feat in any five-game span.

Good luck, Atlanta.