Here’s why you might not see Fernando Tatis Jr. in the outfield anymore
San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. has made it clear what position he wants to play moving forward.
When the San Diego Padres’ young star Fernando Tatis Jr returned from an IL stint, for his chronically injured left shoulder, he started for the team in the outfield. That’s a position that’s unfamiliar to the natural shortstop. In his time back, he has split games between the outfield and shortstop, playing a few more games in the outfield. That was an intentional plan by the club in order to make the most of their rotation while also protecting Tatis Jr. troublesome shoulder.
With the season winding down for the Padres, who are eliminated from playoff contention, Tatis Jr. delivered a rather stern message about where he’ll be lining up next season.
Tatis said he plans to be the Padres' starting shortstop next year. "(A.J. Preller) signed a shortstop, and he's gonna have a shortstop. That’s the plan so far, and I'm not planning on moving for a very long time from there."
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) October 1, 2021
The 22-year-old phenom seemingly making it clear to the media, the fans and most importantly his baseball club, that he will be the team’s shortstop next season.
Fernando Tatis Jr. will make decision about injured shoulder
The position statement stemmed from discussions about Tatis Jr’s shoulder and whether he thinks he needs surgery or not. Tatis Jr has said he would like to avoid surgery but will ultimately sit down with the club and the medical staff to determine the best path forward.
Fernando Tatis Jr. said he needs to sit down with the Padres and doctors, but he again indicated his preference is to avoid shoulder surgery. "We'll see. I feel like I'm in a great spot, my shoulder's in a great spot and I'm very secure in where I'm at right now."
— Dennis Lin (@dennistlin) October 1, 2021
As one of baseball’s brightest stars, Tatis Jr’s availability is critical. He is the centerpiece to the Padres’ plans of being a contending team and is one of the faces of baseball. The masses just want to see him on the field healthy, but if Tatis Jr. has it his way, that will be healthy and at shortstop.
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