WATCH: Fernando Tatis Jr. goes hitless in first game back from suspension, MLB Twitter Reacts
Fernando Tatis Jr was serving an 80-game suspension after being tested positive for usage of banned substances in 2022.
Follow Us
[Fernando Tatis Jr getting ready to bat. Pic Credit: Yahoo Sports]
On Thursday night San Diego Padres’ outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr marked his return to the Major League. It was his first appearance since October 2021. His return though was something he would like to forget soon as he went 0-for-5 in his first game back. He had missed the entire 2022 season through injury and suspension for using banned substances.
The 24-year-old was placed in the lead-off spot in the Padres batting lineup followed by Juan Soto, Manny Machado, and Xander Bogaerts respectively. He would follow up this performance by recording his first hit on Friday night after being grounded out and struck out before.
Despite Tatis Jr. failing to record a hit in that game, the Padres would go on to win 7-5. The victory showed signs that the team is not too dependent on him. “Its great to be back out there with my boys,” Tatis Jr. said in his post-match conference.
Related: Max Scherzer ejected and suspended for 10 games for using foreign substances in game against Dodgers
Fans brutally slam Fernando Tatis Jr after a forgetful performance
In 2021, Fernando Tatis Jr signed a 14-year $340 million extension to remain at the Padres. He finished third in the National League MVP race. The events after the season changed everything. He injured his wrist following an accident in December 2021. He arrived at the spring training with this broken wrist. It would keep him sidelined for five months.
Nearing his return, he tested positive for using banned substances. He has been slapped with an 80-game suspension. This meant he would miss the remainder of the 2022 season and a few games of the new 2023 season. Tatis Jr. received mixed reactions on his return.
Before returning to the Padres following his suspension, he was seen taking part in minor league games. He was heavily slammed for showing off celebrations while slamming home runs to minor league pitchers. His father Fernando Tatis Sr played as a third baseman in major leagues for 13 years between 1997 to 2010.
He was signed as an international free agent by the White Sox in 2015. He never got a chance to play for them though as he was traded to the Padres the following year. He made his debut for his new team in 2019 as a top-three prospect. Since then Tatis has been named an All-Star and has won two silver slugger awards.
In case you missed it:
Why was Alex Rodriguez suspended for the entire 2014 season?
“Its a personal thing,” Vladimir Guerrero Jr vows to never play for the New York Yankees
Stay Updated!
Kaushani Chatterjee
(2138 Articles Published)