Fernando Tatis Jr. final suited up for a recreation with the San Diego Padres throughout the 2021 season, however his lengthy hiatus seems to be on the verge of coming to an finish.
On Saturday, Padres supervisor Bob Melvin indicated that Tatis may probably make his 2023 spring coaching debut on Tuesday in opposition to the San Francisco Giants.
“I am hoping it’s the recreation in San Francisco,” Melvin instructed reporters by way of 97.3 The Fan. “He is at all times lobbying for a bit earlier too, however coaching workers, everyone, has a bit say on this one.”
The current highway for Tatis has been a rocky one, each on and off the sector. Following an All-Star marketing campaign in 2021, Tatis was concerned in an low season bike accident which necessitated a March wrist surgical procedure. Whereas Tatis was rehabbing from that process, he was moreover hit with an 80-game suspension attributable to a violation of Main League Baseball’s performance-enhancing drug coverage. Throw in a shoulder surgical procedure to restore a torn labrum final fall, in addition to a second process on the aforementioned wrist, only for good measure.
On condition that Tatis has been out of motion — for varied causes — for nearly 17 months at this juncture, the Padres have understandably taken a cautious strategy with the 24-year-old heading into spring ball. The infielder, additionally understandably, is chomping on the bit to get again to work.
“I am prepared,” Tatis mentioned. “I am simply checking bins from the supervisor and the staff, however I am undoubtedly able to be on the market.”
With the addition of Xander Bogaerts to roster this offseason, a lot of Tatis’ spring figures to deal with an anticipated shift to proper discipline, as Bogaerts might be sliding into the lineup in his accustomed function at shortstop.
Whereas Tatis might be allowed to take part in spring coaching, his suspension will preserve him on the bench for the primary 32 video games of the common season. Tatis will first be eligible to return on April 20, presumably following a minor league stint to assist get him again in control.
