Padres News: Fernando Tatis Jr. Allowed Back At Petco Park... Kinda

The return of Fernando is approaching, Friar fans.

We're four days away from the return of Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. Friar fans. Tatis Jr. last played in a major league game in the 2021 season. He missed the entire 2022 season after breaking his wrist before the season started, he had a handful of setbacks, and then the suspension was handed down to him after a failed PED test. 

Fernando was suspended 80 games that led into this season, and Wednesday will mark the 80th game. He's getting his body ready for a championship run for the Padres, playing for their triple-A affiliate, and looking great doing it. 

As his return nears, the 24-year-old superstar will be working at his home park; however, Padres field reporter Annie Heilbrunn informed us that Tatis Jr. will need to leave the park before the gates open. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. is expected to work at Petco Park Monday through Wednesday before flying w/ #Padres to AZ. However, he has to leave before gates open for games, as he’s still serving suspension (& therefore wouldn’t be in dugout, etc). May play in Lake Elsinore at some point.

— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) April 15, 2023

Fernando Tatis Jr. is expected to work at Petco Park Monday through Wednesday before flying w/ #Padres to AZ. However, he has to leave before gates open for games, as he’s still serving suspension (& therefore wouldn’t be in dugout, etc). May play in Lake Elsinore at some point.

Even though his return is nearing, Fernando still can't be with his team as game time approaches. Nonetheless, it's excellent that Tatis Jr is back in San Diego, getting his work in, and getting used to the Petco Park feel again. 

Through seven games with the El Paso Chihuahuas, he's slashing a video game-like .536/.618/1.250 with a 1.868 OPS, six home runs, 14 RBIs, and only two strikeouts in 28 ABs. 

The righty slugger is much needed in the Friar's lineup, and even if he plays half of how he's playing now, Ha-Seong Kim's proposition will hold to be true.