During the MLB lockout, Fernando Tatis Jr. had multiple bike accidents that ultimately resulted in him breaking his wrist.
As a result, the San Diego Padres have been without their superstar all season long.
Fortunately for the Friars, it seems that Tatis is very close to returning.
He was originally supposed to return in June, but it took a little longer than expected.
Bob Melvin, the manager of the Padres, told analysts on a Padres radio show that he expects Tatis to make his season debut at some point next week, but that they’re going to take it day by day and not rush him back.
Bob Melvin tells @BenAndWoods the earliest Fernando Tatis could debut for the Padres is next week when the team returns home, but that timeline isn’t set. They don’t want to rush him back. They’re taking things day-by-day.
— 97.3 The Fan (@973TheFanSD) August 12, 2022
Tatis Close To Returning
Padres fans are probably tired of hearing about them not wanting to rush Tatis back from the injury, given that he was originally supposed to return in June.
But at the very least, Tatis appears very close to making his return.
He’s been out for a long time, but his presence should rejuvenate the Padres a little bit, especially after they just acquired Juan Soto and Josh Bell from the Washington Nationals.
Soon, their lineup will feature those two, Tatis, and Manny Machado all together.
That’s going to be a tall task for opposing pitchers.
With that much firepower in the lineup, the Padres will be serious World Series contenders.
Tatis’ return only makes them stronger the rest of the way as they push for the final National League Wild Card spot.
And after last season’s collapse, the Padres have something to prove.
They’ll have four of the best offensive players in all of baseball with guys like Wil Myers and Jake Cronenworth mixed in there with them.
The Padres are about to become very difficult to beat.
