Fernando Tatis Jr Reflects on Success Just Before 2023 Home Debut

Fernando will make his Petco Park debut tonight

After almost two weeks away from Petco Park, your San Diego Padres will return to their home park tonight. The Friars have been on the road too long and will now play in front of their beloved fans. 

There's nothing like being back home after being away for a long time, but you don't need to tell that to superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. Tatis Jr. will make his Petco Park debut tonight after a super long hiatus. 

The 24-year-old spoke to Padres reporter Marty Caswell and said he's looking forward to playing in front of the home fans. 

"Hopefully, the same feeling [goosebumps]. Over here, I got goosebumps. I was just excited, the people receive us just well above average. They were loud, they were cheering for us, and that just motivates you and help you to keep going." 

This will be Fernando's first game back at Petco Park since September 26, 2021. 

Tatis spent the 2022 season recovering from a wrist injury and got suspended 80 games for using PEDs. That's all behind Fernando and the team, as he's played in nine games and is slashing .268/.302/.463 with a .765 OPS with two home runs and six RBIs in 41 ABs. 

He's had flashes of his old self, but that has yet to come. It will only be a matter of time before we see the silver slugger and MVP finalist perform like we're accustomed to. 

This is an exciting night for Tatis and the fans; more importantly, let's hope for a third consecutive win against the Cincinnati Reds.