Here's How Fernando Tatis Jr. Did in his Spring Training Debut

Fernando Tatis Jr., the San Diego Padres embattled star, made his return to professional baseball on Tuesday, walking and scoring a run in his spring training debut.

Tatis also stole a bag, sliding feet-first in the first inning to protect the left wrist that underwent a second surgery in October to insert a central screw.

His initial wrist surgery took place in March 2022 after he suffered a scaphoid bone fracture during a motorcycle accident in the 2021-22 offseason.

The 24-year-old also underwent surgery in March to repair the labrum in his left shoulder. That surgery should help prevent the shoulder subluxations that plagued his 2021 campaign.

Tatis has not appeared in a regular season game since Oct. 3, 2021 due to injury and PED suspension.

“It felt normal,” Tatis told reporters after the game. “It felt like my human nature, and I’m just glad I was out there.”

Tatis walked in his first at bat, bounced out to the pitcher on the first pitch of his second at bat and struck out looking in his third and final at bat of the day.

He will get a day off on Wednesday, then is projected to start in right field on Thursday.

Free agent addition Xander Boegarts will man shortstop this season, with Ha-Seong Kim expected to receive a majority of the work at second base.

Matt Carpenter or Adam Engel will likely open the season as the Padres’ third outfielder until Tatis’ suspension is up April 20.

San Diego Padres World Series Odds

Despite losing ace Joe Musgrove for the start of the season, the Padres are +950 to win the World Series and +130 to win the National League West, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Join SIC to make more informed plays for Fantasy, DFS and Sports Betting as trusted by over 200k followers!

Sign up here and you'll get our new FREE SIC Newsletter each Tuesday and Saturday! Our newsletter will have the best NFL, CFB, NBA and MLB injury insights from our Pro Sports Doctors plus Free Picks delivered straight to your inbox to give you an edge!