Braves&#39; Chris Sale delivers honest reaction to Jurickson Profar&#39;s 162-game suspension

Braves' Chris Sale delivers honest reaction to Jurickson Profar's 162-game suspension originally appeared on The Sporting News. Add The Sporting News as a Preferred Source by clicking here.

The Atlanta Braves are preparing for a season they hope will go better than 2025, but injuries have already begun to pile up. In addition to those setbacks, Jurickson Profar has been hit with a 162-game suspension for PED use. The news was announced Tuesday morning by ESPN’s Jeff Passan.

“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.

The Braves had an off day Tuesday, so the media was unable to speak with players about the suspension. On Wednesday, Chris Sale was asked for his thoughts on the situation, and he made it clear he does not want it to become a distraction.

“It was tough. Obviously, this time of year, we're all getting prepared for the season, and there's a lot of stuff we've got to do to get prepared, and it's not good news. Not what you want to hear,” Sale said.

This marks the second consecutive year Profar will be suspended for PED use, and the organization appears less willing to extend grace this time around. One thing is certain: Braves players are unlikely to make any outlandish comments until everything is finalized.

It is an unfortunate situation for the Braves, especially given the timing. The organization must now determine its next move, while players focus on ensuring the situation does not become a lingering distraction as the season approaches.

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