Profar Returns, Homers After 80-Game Suspension

Jurickson Profar returned to the Atlanta Braves lineup after serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), publicly apologizing to teammates and fans while stating he did not knowingly cheat and had previously used the medication for an injury. In his first game back, Profar went 2-for-4 with a home run and two runs scored, helping the Braves to an 8-3 win over the Los Angeles Angels with a pivotal seven-run rally. The team designated Alex Verdugo for assignment in response to Profar's activation, aiming to improve their struggling offense. Profar had performed strongly in Triple-A during his rehab. Despite his return, Profar remains ineligible for postseason play this year due to MLB rules. Braves management and fans hope his presence will stabilize the lineup and help turn their season around.