Fernando Tatis Jr. To Begin Rehab Assignment This Weekend

Padres' manager Bob Melvin said that star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will begin his rehab assignment this weekend in AA as he makes his way back to the new-look lineup. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. Injury Update

Tatis Jr. began his hitting progression to live batters – expected to take 2-to-3 weeks – on July 16, and the Pro Baseball Docs projected a timeline for his potential return beginning the first weekend in August. 

He has yet to play this season while recovering from a scaphoid fracture he reportedly suffered riding his motorcycle last December. 

The 23-year-old will take defensive reps at both shortstop and centerfield, as he has been spotted doing during pregame warmups in recent weeks.

The Padres have been patient and prudent throughout Tatis Jr.'s rehab since he underwent surgery to repair a delayed union scaphoid fracture in mid-March.

The recovery has stretched into the second half of the season because of the reported four-month delay between the injury and surgery and the lack of blood flow in the scaphoid bone that slows healing. 

Once Tatis Jr. does return, he should be fully-healed and and able to perform at his near-MVP level in 2021. 

Padres World Series Odds

San Diego, 61-47, weathered Tatis Jr.'s absence and stayed in the playoff race even before acquiring Juan Soto, Josh Bell, Brandon Drury, and Josh Hader this week. 

The Padres are still a long-shot +3000 to win the NL West, but have moved up to +500 to win the NL and +1000 to win the World Series on FanDuel Sportsbook.