The World Baseball Classic is supposed to be a celebration of the best baseball players around the world competing against one another. It is a chance for the fans to see most of the biggest stars competing against each other, with players from other countries getting the spotlight. However, San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. will not be amongst them.
Tatis was suspended for 80 games on Friday for a failed PED test. That failed test has not just made him ineligible for the 2022 postseason, but also for the 2023 World Baseball Classic, where he had planned on suiting up for the Dominican Republic.
San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. misses another opportunity
This revelation caps off a tumultuous season for the Padres’ young star. He had fractured his wrist while riding a motorcycle in the Dominican during the lockout, eventually requiring surgery. Tatis had finally gotten to the point where he was in the midst of his rehab assignment when he tested positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid he claimed to be in the medication he was taking for ringworm.
While Tatis not being eligible is a blow to the Dominican team, it is not fatal. They will remain one of the favorites heading into the tournament with a super team that features some of the brightest stars in the game. Wander Franco may not be the same player, but he could be a solid replacement in their starting lineup.
This could also be a positive for the Padres. They do not need to worry about rushing Tatis back and having further issues with his wrist. Of course, he is also out for a portion of the 2023 campaign as well, so that may not matter.
Unfortunately, this suspension also robs fans from seeing one of the bright young talents in the game on a large stage. Tatis is the type of player whose skills can draw fans and help grow the game with a younger crowd. That is lost due to his suspension.
The Dominican Republic has already lost a star from their World Baseball Classic squad. San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. is now ineligible for the tournament.