Padres GM Reveals Fernando Tatis Jr. Update

 

The San Diego Padres managed to get to the National League Championship Series without the suspended Fernando Tatis Jr.

It’s easy to imagine how good they could be when he returns to the roster next year, but there are some things to consider.

First, Tatis had two surgeries on the same wrist, the last one coming somewhat recently, and one in his shoulder to repair some damage stemming from his 2021 injury.

That’s three major surgeries in crucial body parts that could affect hitting if not healed properly.

And two, he is suspended for the first 19 games of the season.

Padres general manager AJ Preller discussed the plan for Tatis heading into spring training.

“AJ Preller said Tatis will spend the off-season rehabbing and should be ready to go for baseball activities for the start of spring training,” Padres insider Jim Russell tweeted.

AJ Preller said Tatis will spend the off-season rehabbing and should be ready to go for baseball activities for the start of spring training #Padres

— Jim Russell (@JimRussellSD) October 25, 2022

 

He Needs To Be Diligent About His Rehab

The crucial part here is that Tatis completes his rehab diligently and shows up to spring training with no ill effects from any injury.

If that’s the case, he will play in spring training as any player normally does: with no restrictions or limitations.

After spring training ends, he will miss the first 19 games of the season because of his suspension for taking performance-enhancing drugs in March.

He should be able to return to the Padres’ lineup around late April, perhaps a bit sooner.

If he returns to full form, the Padres will have a difference-maker.

It’s easy to forget he had a .975 OPS, 42 home runs, 99 runs, 97 RBI, and 25 steals in 130 games in 2021.

Put that production in the same lineup as Juan Soto, Manny Machado, Josh Bell and others and you have a potential top offense.