Profar Nears Return After 80-Game PED Suspension

Jurickson Profar, the Atlanta Braves' major offseason signing, has begun a rehab assignment with Triple-A Gwinnett as he nears the end of an 80-game suspension for testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotropin (hCG), a banned PED. Profar was suspended just four games into the season, forfeiting nearly $6 million in salary and losing postseason eligibility. He is expected to return to the Braves' lineup on July 2, with manager Brian Snitker planning to bat him second. The Braves, currently at 31-39 and struggling in left field, hope Profar can provide a spark despite skepticism about whether his career-best 2024 season was PED-fueled. Atlanta remains well behind in the divisional race, and Profar's absence has contributed to their underperformance. The team hopes his return will help, but his ultimate impact is uncertain given the playoff outlook.