Seth Udinski, FISM News
In one of the most shocking storylines in the 2022 MLB season, San Diego Padres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was given an 80-game suspension by Major League Baseball for violating the league’s steroid abuse policy.
The news broke Friday, not long before the Padres’ 10-5 win over The Washington Nationals. Tatis allegedly took Clostebol, a performance-enhancing drug that he claimed was used for ringworm.
Tatis had missed the entire season up until this point while in rehab for an injury caused by a motorcycle accident last offseason. Fans were hoping for a return by their shortstop in time to join the team on a playoff run.
The 23-year-old star apologized Friday while also defending his innocence, saying, “I want to apologize to [team owner] Peter [Seidler], AJ [Preller], the entire Padres organization, my teammates, Major League Baseball, and fans everywhere for my mistake. I have no excuse for my error, and I would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game I love.”
“I am completely devastated,” Tatis added. “There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than on the field competing with my teammates. After initially appealing the suspension, I have realized that my mistake was the cause of this result, and for that reason, I have decided to start serving my suspension immediately. I look forward to rejoining my teammates on the field in 2023.”
Statement from Fernando Tatis Jr., released by the MLBPA: pic.twitter.com/NNzFbaKT85
— Mark Feinsand (@Feinsand) August 12, 2022
On Saturday, Tatis shared his remorse in a private phone call with Padres manager Bob Melvin. The news shook the entire San Diego fanbase and organization, with fellow star Manny Machado saying he was “completely shocked” when he heard the news after Friday’s game.
With the combination of his injury rehab and his suspension, Tatis will miss the entire 2022 season. According to MLB rules, if the Padres make the postseason, any games they play will be included in the 80-game count, another reason for fans to root for a deep playoff run in 2022.
In San Diego, all eyes are on the battle for the wildcard in the National League. The Padres currently hold the second of three spots in the NL with a record of 65-22, but with the Phillies and Brewers each within four games of San Diego, a playoff birth is far from a guarantee as the team must now finish the season without its most dynamic player.
Last season, Tatis Jr. was an offensive star, slamming 42 homers, driving in 97 runs, and batting .282 with 25 stolen bases.