Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar, a teammate of infielder Kim Ha-seong, has tested positive for a banned substance for the second time in his career.
ESPN reported that a performance-enhancing drug was detected in Profar’s drug test on March 4 (Korean time). Profar previously tested positive last year and was suspended for 80 games. With a second violation, he now faces a 162-game suspension.
Profar became the sixth player to be caught twice in MLB drug testing since the league strengthened penalties in 2014, according to the report.
Before the 2025 season, Profar signed a three-year, $42 million contract with Atlanta. If the suspension is finalized, he would forfeit his $15 million salary for this season.
Profar, who is from Curacao in the Netherlands, had been expected to play for the Netherlands in the 2026 World Baseball Classic, but his participation is now in doubt.
Profar and Kim have been close friends, playing together with the San Diego Padres and again in Atlanta.
* This article has been translated by AI.
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