The San Diego Padres will once again be without star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. for an extended period. This time, the absence appears to be COVID-related.
The Padres announced Tuesday afternoon they were placing Tatis–in addition to utility men Jurickson Profar and Jorge Mateo–on the injured list due to “health and safety protocols.”
Due to health and safety protocols, the #Padres placed SS Fernando Tatis Jr. and INF/OFs Jurickson Profar and Jorge Mateo on the injured list today. The club will announce corresponding roster moves prior to tonight’s game at COL.
— San Diego Padres (@Padres) May 11, 2021
It is unknown whether any of the three players contracted COVID-19, or if they have been deemed close contacts. Regardless, it is likely Tatis, Profar and Mateo will all spend some time on the shelf.
This is tough news for the Padres as they try to build momentum in a crowded National League West division.
San Diego is currently second in the NL West at 19-16, but it's been more of an uphill battle as of late. The Padres five of six games between April 16 and April 21, only to bounce back by winning six of their next eight.
However, manager Jayce Tingler's team has been rather stagnant in May. The Padres are 3-4 in their last seven. What's more frustrating is the offense just erupted for 11 runs in Sunday's win over the San Francisco Giants, with Tatis homering and notching a pair of hits. Now, San Diego has been deprived of its best hitter and aded depth pieces.
Tatis himself has had a hard time sustaining momentum. He struggled early and missed time in April due to a shoulder subluxation, though the issue did not require surgery. The Padres megastar had gradually begun to right the ship, but will once again be forced to take a seat.
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