The baseball world has been rejoicing since the end of the MLB lockout, with many fans excited to see their favorite players return to the baseball diamond in April. Unfortunately, fans of the San Diego Padres will have to wait to watch star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. during the 2022 season.
Reports came out Monday that Tatis fractured his wrist in the offseason and will likely need surgery that could put him out around three months, according to Padres general manager A.J. Preller.
Fernando Tatis Jr. has a fractured wrist. Surgery probable. Could miss a few months, but he’s been a quick healer.
— Kevin Acee (@sdutKevinAcee) March 14, 2022
This is a crushing diagnosis for the Padres considering how well Tatis has played in his young career. The news has many Padres fans concerned heading into the 2022 season.
Bad news for the entire sport. FTJ's star power is undeniable. At least it's not season ending tho. https://t.co/jXqIPjgDZR
— Doug McKain (@DMAC_LA) March 14, 2022
Oh man! You hate to see this happen to such an exciting player to watch! Get well soon, @tatis_jr! https://t.co/GVqRVgNjlL
— Anna Huffstutler (@A_Huffstutler) March 14, 2022
The baseball gods give. And the baseball gods take away. https://t.co/XCaz640Spb
— Tasha Tsiaperas (@ttsiaperas) March 14, 2022
well this sucks https://t.co/1CZndRKADM
— Clinton Yates (@clintonyates) March 14, 2022
Wow, this is not good. Hate to hear it for this kid, and the Padres https://t.co/D7PlKaFORI
— Htown Wheelhouse™️2X World Series Champs '17, '22 (@HtownWheelhouse) March 14, 2022
Tatis has obviously been a big part of the recent success of the Padres, making a huge statistical jump last year, hitting 42 home runs with 97 RBIs with a .282 batting average.
While the team missed out on the playoffs last season, they have shown flashes that they can be competitive with the Los Angeles Dodger and San Francisco Giants in the NL West. And with Tatis, they can be one of the more dangerous teams in MLB going forward.
The Padres and their fans will hope that Tatis can recover quickly if they are hoping to make yet another trip to the playoffs, as they did in the shortened 2020 season.
[ESPN]
