MLB Tightens Regulations on ADHD Medication Use
New data reveals a decrease in the number of Major League players authorized to use medication for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD). The annual report by Thomas M. Martin, independent administrator of the MLB and players association drug program, indicates that only 54 players received permission to use these medications, a figure significantly lower than the 61 of last year and far below the 119 recorded in 2013. The most common medications to treat ADHD include Adderall, Ritalin, and Vyvanse. The report also detailed the number of drug tests conducted. In the year ending with the 2025 World Series, 11,700 tests were collected, slightly below the record of 11,783 from the previous year. This total included 9,400 urine samples and 2,300 blood samples to detect human growth hormone.Only two tests came back positive and led to sanctions for players on the 40-man rosters.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Jurickson Profar was suspended for 80 games on March 31st for a positive test for Gonadotropin Coriónica, a hormone that aids in testosterone production. Philadelphia Phillies closer José Alvarado was suspended for 80 games on May 18 for a positive test for exogenous testosterone. Profar stated that he did not knowingly consume the prohibited substance. Declaration by Jurickson Profar Phillies’ president of baseball operations, Dave Dombrowski, stated that Alvarado’s positive test was caused by a weight loss medication the pitcher took during the offseason. In addition to the 54 Therapeutic Use Exemptions for ADHD, there was one for hypertension, one for sleep disorder, and one for hormonal function.
