San Diego Padres get silver lining in Fernando Tatis Jr. suspension

As much as Fernando Tatis Jr.’s suspension for a failed PED test may hurt the San Diego Padres this season, it could be beneficial going forward.

Tatis has been hindered by a troublesome shoulder that has caused him to miss time over the years. However, he has rejected the idea of having surgery to repair the labrum as he did not want to have an extended period on the Injured List. It makes sense that he wanted to be on the diamond – his dynamic all around game can make a major impact on the Padres’ hopes.

San Diego Padres get one positive from Fernando Tatis Jr. PED suspension

Now Tatis is out until May due to his PED suspension. While he can participate in spring training, and will get some time in the minors to work his way back into form before being eligible for the regular season, those games are still a long way away.

That makes this the perfect time for Tatis to get that shoulder fixed. According to Kevin Acee of the San Diego Union-Tribune, he has done just that as he had successful surgery to finally repair his troublesome labrum.

The hope is that this will allow Tatis to unlock yet another level. He had been on his way to stardom prior to his suspension, posting a .292/.369/.596 batting line with 81 homers and 55 doubles in his 1175 plate appearances while stealing 52 bases. Tatis had finished in the top four of the NL MVP vote twice, won two Silver Slugger awards, and made the 2021 All Star Game. It was an impressive resume to that point.

But it is fair to wonder if he can sustain that level. His PED suspension put his accomplishments to this point in question. He also needs to prove that he can return to form after shoulder surgery. At least this time, he will be healthy as he looks to return in 2023.

There is one silver lining to Fernando Tatis Jr.’s PED suspension. The San Diego Padres shortstop has gotten his troublesome shoulder fixed.