PEORIA, Arizona. – If there was one scene that parents wanted to avoid this spring, it was probably this one.
Fernando Tatis Jr. came out of Tuesday’s Cactus League game against the Reds in the third inning with discomfort in his left shoulder after a hard play on a ground ball in the short field. It will be re-evaluated on Wednesday, the team said.
The Padres ’star field went to his right to play with the reverse, and then made a long throw over the diamond to remove Reds second baseman Jonathan India. Tatis’s throw was awkward and he immediately seemed to have some discomfort, though it’s worth noting that it was the shoulder that didn’t throw at Tatis that hurt him.
Tatis was evaluated by manager Jayce Tingler and a team coach and left the field shortly thereafter. Halfway into the coach’s room, Tatis left Peoria Stadium accompanied by a member of the team’s medical staff.
Viously, obviously, the Fathers can’t afford not to be without Tatis, who delivered a record 14-year extension last month. It has ratified all spring, posting 1,092 OPS in 11 games.
Tatis missed five games earlier this month with a non-COVID-related illness. He then lost a couple more days after a hard slip towards the home plate left him a bit hit, although the team never revealed any specific injury. It’s unclear if Tuesday’s shoulder disease is related.
The Padres have other options to play short, in case Tatis misses any time during the regular season. Manny Machado has a long history there, and both Jake Cronenworth and Ha-Seong Kim – who are expected to share time at second base – can also play on the break.
But given his ridiculous output through 143 career games (.301 / .374 / .582 with 39 homers and 27 steals), any injury to Tatis would be overwhelming for a World Series ambitious Padres team. and with the Dodgers in which to fight. West National League.
San Diego is already dealing with injuries related to center fielder Trent Grisham (hamstring strain) and receiver Austin Nola (left middle finger). Its status for the opening day remains in question.
The club did not offer any details about Tatis’ schedule.