Braves' Jurickson Profar receives major suspension update from MLB insider Ken Rosenthal

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Braves' Jurickson Profar receives major suspension update from MLB insider Ken Rosenthal originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves have already faced injuries during Spring Training, raising concerns among fans about what could come next. While the team had remained relatively calm, more devastating news arrived on Tuesday: Jurickson Profar has been handed a suspension that will sideline him for the entire season.

“Atlanta Braves designated hitter Jurickson Profar is facing a 162-game suspension after testing positive for a performance-enhancing drug for the second time in the last year, sources told ESPN on Tuesday. Profar, 33, is the sixth player to receive a 162-game ban for PED use since Major League Baseball increased the penalty for two-time offenders to a full season in 2014. He will forfeit the entirety of his $15 million salary,” Passan wrote.

This marks the second consecutive season Profar has been hit with a suspension. Some are already questioning the value of his contract.

“Considering the context and circumstances – with the slim chance based on precedent that a 162-game suspension isn't forthcoming – I can confidently say that Jurickson Profar is the worst free-agent signing in Braves history,” Braves reporter Grant McAuley wrote.

Profar was coming off the best season of his MLB career when Atlanta signed him, but he has yet to make a meaningful impact for the organization. Meanwhile, MLB insider Ken Rosenthal reported that Profar plans to appeal his suspension.

“The Players Association plans to challenge MLB’s intention to suspend Jurickson Profar for 162 games, source tells The Athletic,” Rosenthal posted.

This creates a difficult scenario for the Braves, as the appeal will force them to play the long game. Atlanta may need to search for Profar’s replacement—or even a new pitcher—but cannot act decisively until the process plays out.

The Braves were excited to have Profar available for a full season, but that opportunity now seems uncertain. More importantly, if the suspension is upheld, Atlanta may face a tough decision between addressing an outfield vacancy or bolstering the rotation.

More MLB news:

• Braves reporter labels $42M Silver Slugger bust the worst signing in franchise history​

• Braves reportedly outbid by Red Sox for $170M flamethrower, Cy Young runner-up, 2X All-Star​

• Braves' Jurickson Profar suspension frees $15M for Alex Anthopoulos to make desired move​

• Braves predicted to trade for $108M workhorse 3-time All-Star, Cy Young finalist, ship Sean Murphy​

• Yankees reportedly attempted to trade for $325M 3-time Silver Slugger to replace Anthony Volpe​

• Dodgers predicted to break baseball by trading for $106M duo, Silver Slugger, Gold Glove winner​

• Braves reportedly outbid by Brewers for $22M Cy Young-caliber strikeout artist, 2-time All-Star​

• Dodgers' Dave Roberts gives concerning injury update on Blake Snell's Opening Day chances​

• Braves announce major Spring Training news on Ronald Acuna Jr., Ozzie Albies, Jurickson Profar​

• Braves reportedly outbid by Red Sox for sought-after $31M 3-time All-Star, Cy Young runner-up​

• Blue Jays' $3M Max Scherzer gamble could turn into $10M in loaded high-risk incentives​

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