Fernando Tatis Jr. Shows He’s Overcome Nerves After Suspension Return With a Daring Play During Spring Training

Published 03/05/2023, 1:29 PM EST

Fernando Tatis Jr. is finally making a comeback this season. The 24-year-old Padres star has played as a shortstop since his debut in MLB. With a talent that’s equal to his father Fernando Tatis Sr., or possibly even surpasses him, El Nino has been making waves in the baseball world for a while now. But this last season, he was making headlines for all the wrong reasons.

After a scaphoid bone injury caused him to get surgery, Tatis Jr.’s return was delayed by three months. But then he tested positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid, and all hell broke loose. Reminiscent of another talented player who was suspected of using PEDs, El Nino received public advice from Alex Rodriguez; who said he wished young players would learn from his mistakes and stupidity. Now in 2023, Tatis Jr. is expected to make a return.

Fernando Tatis Jr. made a bold play at a recent Padres game

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During the Padres vs Diamondbacks game on Saturday, Tatis Jr. started in the right field, making a transition from the outfield. Even though he still has 21 games before the 24-year-old can play for the Padres again, he’s not missing a chance to play at spring training. In an incredible catch against the D-backs hitter, Tatis Jr. made a sliding catch that would have almost made him miss the ball otherwise.

Fernando Tatis Jr.!!!!!!!!!
What an amazing play by the future GOLD GLOVE Right Fielder!
pic.twitter.com/QUDY9ESPHl
— Devine Sports Gospel (@DevineGospel) March 4, 2023

Devine Sports Gospel even called El Nino a future Gold Glove winner, which may not be too big of an assumption if he keeps playing like this. But before that can happen, though, the Padres will have to look for someone else to cover their right field until Tatis Jr. can come back from his suspension.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Gives a Sneak Peek Into an Adorable Gesture For His Mother Before a Massive Event

Padres manager Bob Melvin told MLB.com, “A game in April is just as important as down the stretch. We’ll do the best we can to try to maybe match up and get as much production as we can before Fernando comes back.”

What did the fans think of El Nino’s great play?

People are divided on what to think of Tatis Jr.’s display because of his PED past. Some think he needs more practice before he can be successful in the right field. But despite the criticism, it’s undeniable that the young player has talent in spades.

GOLD GLOVE!!!!! #TATIS #TATIS 👑⭐️🏆🥇💯‼️@tatis_jr 🙌🙌🙌😍😍😍😍
— jeanie p. (@pixiereal) March 4, 2023

Padres fans when Tatis takes a bad route to the ball and is late to the ball:
— Sad (@SadChargersFan7) March 4, 2023

Overring running a soft fly ball, then barely making a catch when try to correct isnt usually described as “amazing”
— Matty NoNo (@MMnotine) March 4, 2023

Looks like a terrible play saved by his athleticism
— TZ (@zumwalt_tyler) March 4, 2023

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Reading the comments, I see that most saw the same play that I did: bad read, bad route, great recovery. Far from ESPN top 10. Glad he made the play but that should eventually become a routine out or at least not require full extension.
Still very happy he made the play.
— carlos rodriguez (@clos59) March 5, 2023

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Are you excited about the return of Fernando Tatis Jr. to the field this upcoming season?

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Written by:

Arunima Bhanot is an MLB writer at EssentiallySports. Having earned an English literature degree from Lady Shri Ram College, University of Delhi, Arunima has always been interested in writing. She's a fan of archery and was the captain of her college team for two years running. She's an avid reader who also loves photography and travel, and you can find her talking constantly about books and anime on her Instagram!

Edited by:

Abhishek Kumar

Fernando Tatis Jr. Shows He’s Overcome Nerves After Suspension Return With a Daring Play During Spring Training

Fernando Tatis Jr. made a bold play at a recent Padres game

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What did the fans think of El Nino’s great play?