Fansided

MLB Rumors: Mets on the hot seat, Judge has a problem, Tatis doesn’t get it

By Mark Powell

WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 12: Manager Buck Showalter #11 of the New York Mets watches batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images)
WASHINGTON, DC - MAY 12: Manager Buck Showalter #11 of the New York Mets watches batting practice before the game against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on May 12, 2023 in Washington, DC. (Photo by G Fiume/Getty Images) /
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MLB Rumors
Apr 20, 2023; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. in the third inning against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. MLB Rumors Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

MLB Rumors: Fernando Tatis Jr. doesn’t get it

The San Diego Padres have a virtual All-Star team on the roster, yet sit four games under .500 and in fourth place in the loaded NL West. The Diamondbacks, Dodgers and Giants are all ahead of them, leaving many to question — What’s going on with this team?

Yes, Manny Machado just came back from injury. But the rest of the roster should be excelling.

Prior to Saturday’s win over the Chicago Cubs, Fernando Tatis Jr. pondered that question himself, and didn’t have a good answer.

If the baseball gods are punishing San Diego, as Tatis Jr. suggests, it’s likely because of his doing. Tatis Jr. has wasted away his potential in recent years, in part due to motorcycle accidents and injuries, but also due to performance-enhancing drugs. Tatis tested positive in August of 2022, and was suspended for 80 games.

Now fully recovered from offseason surgery and back in the fold, Tatis has looked much like his old self. He hit two home runs in the Padres win over the Cubs on Saturday.

But, yes, if the baseball gods have a problem with San Diego, Tatis surely has plenty to do with that.

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