Mikolas Slams Profar Over Second PED Suspension

Veteran pitcher says Profar has 'plenty of money and time' to defend himself without MLBPA help

Published on Mar. 6, 2026

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MLB pitcher Miles Mikolas has criticized Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar over his second positive PED test, which resulted in a 162-game suspension. Mikolas believes Profar has the resources to defend himself without assistance from the MLB Players Association.

Why it matters

Profar's second PED violation in less than a year has drawn strong criticism from fellow players like Mikolas, who feel there is no excuse for such repeat offenses. The case raises questions about player accountability and the role of the players' union in defending athletes accused of doping.

The details

Profar was suspended for 162 games by MLB after failing his second PED test in less than 12 months. He plans to appeal the suspension with support from the MLBPA. However, Mikolas believes Profar has enough money and time to defend himself without the union's help, stating: 'If it was an improper test or something like that—that's another story. I'd assume if a guy like Profar is innocent, he's got plenty of money and time now to defend himself without the need of the Players Association. I don't think the MLBPA should be doing anything.'

  • Profar was suspended for 162 games, effective from Friday, March 6, 2026.

The players

Miles Mikolas

A veteran MLB starting pitcher for the Washington Nationals who has criticized Jurickson Profar's PED suspension.

Jurickson Profar

An outfielder for the Atlanta Braves who was suspended for 162 games after failing his second PED test in less than a year.

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What they’re saying

“As far as the MLBPA doing anything to help him out, I'd have to say I'm mostly against that. If it was an improper test or something like that—that's another story. I'd assume if a guy like Profar is innocent, he's got plenty of money and time now to defend himself without the need of the Players Association. I don't think the MLBPA should be doing anything.”

— Miles Mikolas, MLB Pitcher (Foul Territory Podcast)

What’s next

Jurickson Profar plans to appeal the 162-game suspension, with support from the MLB Players Association. The appeal process will determine if the suspension is upheld or reduced.

The takeaway

This case highlights the ongoing issue of PED use in baseball and the debate around player accountability. While the players' union typically defends athletes accused of doping, Mikolas believes Profar has the resources to mount his own defense without the union's assistance, raising questions about the role of the MLBPA in such cases.