Jurickson Profar’s suspension left Team Netherlands scrambling mere minutes before game
The New York Times • • sports
Key Points:
- Jurickson Profar tested positive for performance-enhancing drugs for the second time, leading to his immediate departure from Team Netherlands during the World Baseball Classic and making him ineligible to play in the tournament.
- Profar, signed by the Atlanta Braves to a three-year, $42 million contract, had previously been suspended for PED use early last season but returned to perform well as the team's primary leadoff hitter and left fielder.
- The Braves expressed disappointment but acknowledged opportunities for other players to step up, while Team Netherlands quickly adjusted by adding independent league player Ray-Patrick Didder to the lineup, who responded with a home run in his first at-bat.
- Team Netherlands also added 21-year-old Jakey Josepha to
