San Diego Padres fans might not want to continue reading.
Star Friars shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was removed from Tuesday's spring training game against the Cincinnati Reds with an apparent injury.
Tatis made a nice defensive play and long throw at short in the second inning. But he was taken to the dugout with hands on hips after making the throw for the out.
It was a nice play by Tatis too. pic.twitter.com/9GdvnY8RXr
— Bobby Nightengale (@nightengalejr) March 23, 2021
It just got very quiet here.
Fernando Tatis Jr. walked off the field after making a long throw for an out. He then headed toward dugout with hands on hips.— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 23, 2021
Fernando Tatis Jr. exits with a team trainer after making a play at shortstop. Hand was on his right hip.
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) March 23, 2021
The extent of the injury is unknown and the Padres should have more information soon. It did not appear Tatis was walking gingerly, per MLB.com's AJ Cassavell.
Tatis leaves the trainers room and is headed back to the team's complex via the right-field exit. Doesn't look like he's walking gingerly at all. https://t.co/ygTOT12VDB
— AJ Cassavell (@AJCassavell) March 23, 2021
There will undoubtedly be some speculation as to whether Tatis sustained an arm injury. But for now, his status is a bit unclear.
Padres fans will certainly be hoping this is just a minor setback.
San Diego just inked the young star to a 14-year, $340 million extension earlier this offseason after Tatis set MLB on fire in his first two seasons.
The 22-year-old hit 17 homers with 11 stolen bases and a .937 OPS in 2020, finishing fourth in the National League MVP voting. He was also the best defensive shortstop in baseball in terms of outs above average, dazzling with his range and arm strength and becoming a fan favorite for Padres faithful.
Perhaps even more notably, Tatis became a marketing sensation. He has partnerships with Gatorade's BOLT24 line and is the cover athlete of MLB The Show 21. His ascension to superstardom has been a trendy topic this offseason, as has the Padres moves.
The Padres, after quite a busy winter, were expected to be one of the top NL contenders to challenge the reigning World Series champion Los Angeles Dodgers.
However, San Diego's chances could take a hit in the unfortunate event Tatis is sidelined for an extended period of time.
Follow Us
Subscribe