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Braves Pitchers Downplay Profar's Second PED Suspension
Sale and Strider say team will focus on upcoming season despite major blow
Published on Mar. 4, 2026
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Atlanta Braves pitchers Chris Sale and Spencer Strider have responded to the news that teammate Jurickson Profar will be suspended for the entire 2026 season due to a second violation of MLB's banned substance policy. While acknowledging the frustration, both players say the team will move forward and focus on preparing for the upcoming season.
Why it matters
Profar's suspension is a major setback for the Braves, who are already dealing with injury concerns in their pitching staff. The team will need to find a way to overcome this challenge and remain competitive in the 2026 season.
The details
Profar, one of the Braves' key free agent signings from two offseasons ago, will miss the entire 2026 season after violating the league's banned substance policy for a second straight year. The news comes as a blow to the Braves, who are already dealing with injuries to pitchers like Spencer Schwellenbach. While the players' association plans to appeal the suspension, it's unclear if Profar will be able to return to the team this year.
- Profar's second PED suspension was announced on March 4, 2026.
- The Braves are set to open the 2026 regular season later this month.
The players
Jurickson Profar
An Atlanta Braves outfielder who has been suspended for the entire 2026 season due to a second violation of MLB's banned substance policy.
Chris Sale
An Atlanta Braves pitcher who shared his reaction to the Profar suspension, saying it was "tough" news but that it "changes nothing" in terms of the team's preparation for the upcoming season.
Spencer Strider
An Atlanta Braves pitcher who said he was "surprised" by the Profar suspension but that the team's focus will remain on the 2026 season.
What they’re saying
“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.”
— Chris Sale, Atlanta Braves Pitcher (MLB.com)
“Surprised, of course. Wasn't expecting that to happen. But you've got to go back to what you were doing. To me, it's like an injury. It's like anything else. We still have the rest of spring and the 2026 season. That's where our focus is going to be.”
— Spencer Strider, Atlanta Braves Pitcher (MLB.com)
What’s next
The Braves' players' association plans to appeal Profar's suspension, but it remains unclear if he will be able to return to the team this season.
The takeaway
The Profar suspension is a major setback for the Braves, who are already dealing with injury concerns in their pitching staff. However, the team's veteran pitchers are focused on moving forward and preparing for the 2026 season, showing resilience in the face of adversity.
