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The announcement came from the commissioner's office on Tuesday. Profar's suspension, lasting 162 games, was triggered by a positive test for exogenous testosterone, indicating that the substance was not produced by his body. This suspension follows a previous 80-game ban imposed last March for a positive test involving Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG). Appeal Process In response to the suspension, the players' association has filed a grievance at Profar's request, seeking to appeal the decision to an independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman. A source familiar with the process confirmed the appeal but requested anonymity due to the lack of a public announcement. Previous Suspension and Performance Profar, who was an All-Star in 2024, faced an 80-game suspension last year after testing positive for a substance that aids testosterone production. Following that suspension, he returned to the field on July 2, hitting a home run and finishing the season with a .245 batting average, 14 home runs, and 43 RBIs over 80 games. In 2024, he achieved career highs with a .280 batting average, 24 home runs, and 85 RBIs.

Impact of Suspension Due to the suspension, Profar is ineligible to participate in the postseason or the World Baseball Classic, where he was expected to represent the Netherlands. His current contract, valued at $42 million over three years, will see him forfeit his $15 million salary for this year, having already lost half of his $12 million salary for the 2025 season due to the previous suspension. Historical Context Profar's suspension marks him as the seventh player to receive a 162-game suspension for a second positive test for performance-enhancing drugs, joining a list that includes notable players like Jenrry Mejia and Robinson Canó. Mejia received a lifetime ban after a third positive test, making him the only player to face permanent suspension since the drug testing policy was implemented in 2004.

Team Dynamics Profar's absence could provide an opportunity for Dominic Smith, who signed a minor league deal in February. The Braves had initially targeted Profar to be their primary designated hitter, especially after signing left fielder Mike Yastrzemski. Other players, including 2025 NL Rookie of the Year Drake Baldwin, may also see increased roles as the team adjusts to Profar's suspension.