Atlanta Braves Drake Baldwin is greeted by Jurickson Profar after hitting a solo home run in the third inning of a spring training baseball game against the Minnesota Twins in North Port, Fla., Sunday, Feb. 22, 2026. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)

NEW YORK — Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for the 2026 season by Major League Baseball on Tuesday following his second positive test for a performance-enhancing drug.

Profar tested positive for exogenous testosterone and its metabolites, the commissioner’s office said, which means testosterone that was not produced by his body. Because it was a second offense, the length of Profar’s suspension was 162 games.

The players’ association filed a grievance at Profar’s request to appeal to baseball’s independent arbitrator, Martin F. Scheinman, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press. The person spoke on condition of anonymity, because no announcement had been made.

An All-Star in 2024, Profar was suspended for 80 games last March 31 following a positive test for Chorionic Gonadotrophin (hCG), a hormone that helps production of testosterone. He issued a statement then saying: “I would never willingly take a banned substance, but I take full responsibility and accept MLB’s decision.”

His agent, Dan Lozano, did not immediately respond to a request for comment.

The Braves released a statement that they “were incredibly disappointed” about the failed drug test.

“Our players are consistently educated about the (MLB Drug Prevention and Treatment) Program and the consequences if they are found to be in violation,” the club said. “The Atlanta Braves fully support the Program.”

Profar homered in his return from suspension on July 2 and finished with a .245 average, 14 homers, 43 RBIs and a .787 OPS.

He batted .280 in 2024, when he set career highs with 24 homers, 85 RBIs and an .839 OPS. Profar said at the start of spring training that he had sports hernia surgery in November, requiring a six-week recovery time. He has appeared in four spring training games this year.

Under the suspension, he is ineligible for the postseason and the World Baseball Classic. A native of Curacao, Profar had been set to play for the Netherlands.

Bucs beat Colombia

BRADENTON, Fla. — Jake Mangum went 2-for-3 with a double and two RBIs out of the leadoff spot Tuesday as the Pittsburgh Pirates defeated Colombia, 7-1, in Grapefruit League action.

Colombia is gearing up for the World Baseball Classic which starts this Thursday and runs through March 17.

Konnor Griffin added a run-scoring double in the third inning to give the Pirates a 2-0 lead. Teammate Jhostynxon Garcia highlighted a three-run fourth inning wit a run-scoring double. He entered the game having gone 7-for-11 with a home run, three RBIs and six runs scored this spring.

Jose Urquidy started and worked three scoreless innings. He struck out out three and walked one. Relievers Justin Lawrence and Wilber Dotel each pitched a shutout inning with two strikeouts. However, Dotel worked out of a bases-loaded jam in which he walked all three batters.

The Pirates will play St. Louis Thursday at 1:05 p.m. Mitch Keller is expected to start for the Pirates.

Phils player accused

NEW YORK — Philadelphia Phillies outfielder Johan Rojas is contesting a possible 80-game suspension by Major League Baseball following an alleged failed test for a performance-enhancing substance, a person familiar with the process told The Associated Press.

Under MLB’s drug agreement with the players’ association, the appeals process for an initial positive test for a performance-enhancing substance takes place before a public announcement of discipline.

A 25-year-old who made his major league debut in 2023, Rojas was dropped from the Dominican Republic’s World Baseball Classic roster, team general manager Nelson Cruz told reporters Monday.

Rojas hit .224 with one homer, 18 RBIs and 12 stolen bases for the Phillies last season. He was demoted to Triple-A Lehigh Valley on Aug. 1 and didn’t play for Philadelphia during the remainder of the season. Rojas is 1 for 11 for the Phillies during spring training.

He has a .252 career average with six homers, 73 RBIs and 51 stolen bases over 250 games.

Marte finds work

SURPRISE, Ariz. — The Kansas City Royals signed two-time All-Star Starling Marte to a $1 million deal for the upcoming season.

The Royals are hoping the right-handed-batting veteran can provide some help off the bench or against left-handed pitching.

The 37-year-old Marte has hit .285 with 163 homers, 667 RBIs and 361 stolen bases over 14 seasons with the Pirates, Diamondbacks, Marlins, Athletics and Mets.

USA picks Webb

PHOENIX — San Francisco Giants ace Logan Webb will start on the mound for Team USA in its first World Baseball Classic game Friday against Brazil, manager Mark DeRosa said.

DeRosa added that two-time defending AL Cy Young Award winner Tarik Skubal is expected to start Saturday against Britain, followed by NL Cy Young winner Paul Skenes versus Mexico on Monday.