Fernando Tatis Jr. releases statement on 80-game PED suspension

Fernando Tatis Jr. has been suspended 80 games after testing positive for PEDs and the Padres superstar released a statement on the matter. 

The baseball world was rocked on Friday night as news broke that San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. had tested positive for the PED Clostebol and would be suspended for 80 games.

As Tatis was working his way back onto the field from an offseason wrist surgery that has required a lengthy and extensive recovery that has kept him off the field for the entire season to this point, this was devastating news.

Now, the 23-year-old star has spoken on the matter.

Fernando Tatis Jr. suspension: Padres star releases statement

Tatis released a full statement in which he claimed to have inadvertently taken a medication to “treat ringworm” that contained the PED Clostebol. He then apologized to fans, the Padres organization, MLB and his teammates.

He finished the statement saying the following:

"“I am completely devastated. There is nowhere else in the world I would rather be than on the field competing with my teammates. After initially appealing the suspension, I have realized my mistake was the cause of this result, and for that reason I have decided to start serving my suspension immediately. I look forward to rejoining my teammates on the field in 2023.”"

You can read the full statement below:

Fernando Tatis Jr. contract: How PED suspension impacts Padres future

Many fans are left wondering what this 80-game suspension means for Tatis Jr.’s future in San Diego and his contract. But the truth of the matter is that it shouldn’t have much of an effect at all.

Tatis signed a 14-year, $340 million contract and will be under that deal until the 2035 offseason. Moreover, he has a full no trade clause in the deal until the 2028 season, meaning that the Padres couldn’t get out from the deal in a trade if they wanted to (or unless Tatis approved it).

While this isn’t good for anyone involved, though, the truth of the matter is that the 23-year-old will return early next season and this will be put in the past for him individually and San Diego. Thus, the contract isn’t much of a concern in this situation.