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San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. involved in motorcycle accident

By David Hill

Oct 3, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) walks back to the dugout after striking out against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 3, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) walks back to the dugout after striking out against San Francisco Giants starting pitcher Logan Webb (not pictured) during the sixth inning at Oracle Park. Mandatory Credit: D. Ross Cameron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The last thing that the San Diego Padres can afford is for something to happen to Fernando Tatis Jr. He is expected to be the face of the franchise for years to come, their cornerstone player who will lead them to the Promised Land some day. He may be the one player that the Padres cannot afford to lose.

He certainly gave the organization a scare on Sunday. Tatis was involved in a motorcycle accident in Higuey in the Dominican Republic.

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. involved in motorcycle accident

Fortunately for Tatis and the Padres, he only suffered minor injuries. He was treated at a nearby medical facility and was released. At this point, he has to be considered to be healthy.

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However, it is another scare for the Padres. Tatis had missed time last season with a small tear in his labrum, a condition that he has opted against getting surgery for. This accident does not appear to have caused any further issues with that shoulder, but it may bear watching when spring training eventually begins.

Tatis was a force even with that missed time. He produced an impressive .282/.364/.611 batting line in his 546 plate appearances, leading the National League with 42 homers. He also hit 31 doubles and stole 25 bases, making him a key part of the Padres’ lineup. Despite appearing in just 130 games, he finished third in the NL MVP vote and won the Silver Slugger at short.

The Padres are looking to return to the playoffs after their disappointing showing in 2021. They have a new coaching staff and the type of roster that should make waves in the NL West. However, they need Tatis to be healthy in order for their playoff aspirations to be fulfilled.

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San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was involved in a minor motorcycle accident on Sunday. Fortunately, he only suffered minor injuries.

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