Jurickson Profar Sends Message on Treatment From Braves Fans originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
Back from an 80-game suspension, Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar returned to the lineup on Wednesday, marking his 12th major-league season.
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Originally a member of the Texas Rangers, Profar debuted at just 19 years old in 2012 and spent five seasons with the organization before being traded to the Oakland Athletics in 2016.
Profar is most celebrated for his late-career renaissance with the San Diego Padres, where he spent five seasons anchoring their outfield and becoming a memorable contributor to multiple playoff runs.
During his age-31 season in 2024 with the Padres, Profar produced the best year of his career: he made his first All-Star team, smashed a career-high 24 home runs and posted an .839 OPS.
That breakout season earned him a three-year, $42 million deal with the Braves in January. However, after just four games, he tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance and was handed an 80-game suspension.
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Atlanta Braves left fielder Jurickson Profar (7)Denis Poroy-Imagn Images
Activated before Wednesday’s game against the Los Angeles Angels after serving his suspension, Profar encountered a divided Atlanta crowd.
After striking out in his first at-bat back, boos greeted him. “They have every right to do whatever they want,” he said, per Mark Bowman. “I made a mistake, and I need to pay for it.”
Later, he flipped the script in the bottom of the seventh, leading off the inning with a solo home run. “They cheered?” Profar laughed afterward. “I was too locked in. I didn’t notice.”
His immediate impact following the suspension will be key as Atlanta currently sits at 39-46 and 6.5 games back of a wild-card spot.
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This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jul 3, 2025, where it first appeared.