After San Diego Padres supernova shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr left Tuesday's exhibition game against the Cincinnati Reds with mild shoulder discomfort, there was some concern he wouldn't be ready for Opening Day on April 1.
Unease has been soothed, however, after Padres officials on Wednesday noted their stud infielder has long dealt with this shoulder issue, and it's something both he and the team have monitored closely during his time.
From The Athletic's Dennis Lin:
The Padres have been aware of Fernando Tatis Jr.'s minor shoulder issue since his days in the minors. "He just did a very nice deal, and we're very thorough with those things," Jayce Tingler said.
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) March 24, 2021
A nice deal, indeed. This past offseason, Fernando Tatis Jr inked a 14-year, $340 million deal to remain with the Padres in perpetuity, in what is currently the third-largest contract in MLB history. Only Anaheim Angels star Mike Trout and Los Angeles Dodgers star Mookie Betts have had it better, and the 22-year-old star will be looking to build on his sophomore campaign after hitting .277 with 17 HR and 45 RBIs in 59 games last year — earning a Silver Slugger Award and finishing fourth in MVP voting along the way.
During 2021 spring training, he's 9-for-23 with two HRs, five RBIs and a .440 on-base percentage.
From Annie Heilbrunn of the San Diego Union-Tribune:
For Tatis, been playing with this shoulder aggravation for quite a while, since at least the minors, per Tingler. Most players have one issue or another that barks at them throughout the season, and this is something he manages with treatment. https://t.co/aDruzuxQmH
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) March 24, 2021
Any extended absence from Tatis is a tough one for both the Padres and the game of baseball. In two seasons, he's gone from hopeful youth to certifiable star. Only three active players have produced the same 162-game stretch Fernando Tatis Jr has (Cody Bellinger, Miguel Cabrera and Albert Pujols), and the phenom is just getting started. And there are considerable postseason hopes for this year and beyond after San Diego rolled up a 37-23 record in the pandemic-pinched 2020 and finished just six games behind the Dodgers for the NL West Divisional crown.
Follow Us
Subscribe