Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr Admits He's Nervous About How He'll Be Received by Fans

The young star gets honest about his return.

If all goes according to plan for San Diego, they will finally be welcoming back a franchise cornerstone this April. Fernando Tatis Jr has not suited up for the team in over a year following a wrist injury and a failed PED test that saw him get suspended.

Despite missing arguably their most important player in Tatis last season, the Padres still established themselves as a top contender in the league as they came within three wins of a World Series appearance. Fans believe that adding their star shortstop back into the mix will propel them over the top, but Tatis admitted at FanFest last week that he is nervous as to how he will be received.

Fernando Tatis Jr. on if he’s been nervous to see how Padres fans would receive him: pic.twitter.com/VUCZMIugC5

— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) February 4, 2023

Tatis is not new to this business and having been a member of the Padres since 2019, he is very familiar with the game. Certain fan bases might not give a warm welcome if he was an average player.

However, Tatis is far beyond average and proved that prior to his injury. The 24-year-old had quite the 2021 season bringing home a Silver Slugger Award, hit the second most home runs in Padres history with 42, and finished fourth in NL MVP voting.

Fans have also taken to Twitter to show their support for Tatis after he revealed his thoughts.

I have zero negative feelings towards Niño.

— Arnie Gordon (pantherweek) (@dreamerwestAG) February 4, 2023

We love you so much Fernando!!! Welcome back KING!!!! #TATIS #TATIS @tatis_jr 👑💯‼️🤩💫✨🥇⚡️🎆🎇💥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥🔥😍😍😍😍😍😍🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🙌🫶🫶🫶🫶🫶🎉🎉🎉

— jeanie p. (@pixiereal) February 4, 2023

As long as Tatis picks up where he left off in 2021, he will have nothing to worry about with the fans.