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Padres Distance Themselves From Disgraced Star Fernando Tatis Jr. as Franchise Cancels Bobblehead Giveaway; Replace With Juan Soto Merchandise Sale

Published 08/17/2022, 11:45 AM EDT

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Fernando Tatis Jr. and Juan Soto are two rising stars in baseball. But of late, while Soto’s career is on a constant rise, Tatis Jr. has taken a dip. That goes as far as Tatis Jr. being replaced by Soto even in terms of merchandise sales. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. is the San Diego Padres shortstop. A star slugger, Tatis Jr. is a one-time All-Star player. On the other hand, Juan Soto joined the San Diego Padres in the ongoing season. He is the present Home Run Derby champion. Soto is a two-time All-Star player and a one-time World Series winner. He played for the Washington Nationals earlier. 

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Drafted in as a bright prospect in 2019, Tatis Jr. used to be a reason of pride for the Padres. However, in the past one week or so, matters have rapidly fallen down the ladder for Tatis Jr. As he recently tested positive for steroid usage, Tatis Jr. got suspended for 80 games. The punishment for him isn’t yet over for him with the penalty. 

Fernando Tatis Jr. replaced by Juan Soto off the field 

Fernando Tatis Jr. was once a sensational pick for the San Diego Padres. Equally famous for his powerful attack and athletic defense, he is a genuine match-winner. His playing talent is undeniable. He has firmly contributed to many Padres victories. 

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The Padres had a Tatis Jr. bobblehead release planned for September 7. Recovering from a wrist injury, he was on the track to make a comeback well before the date. But instead, he failed a dope test. He tested positive for Clostebol, an anabolic steroid forbidden for use by the MLB authorities. 

via Getty

Therefore, now the Padres administration has decided to replace the bobbleheads with Juan Soto jerseys. The tee shirts will be in the Padres’ City Connect color scheme. Soto’s name and the number 22, will get printed on the back of the jerseys. The City Connect jerseys feature vivid colors celebrating the cross-border culture of San Diego and Tijuana, Mexico. 

“We Were Hoping…There Would Be Some Maturity”- Padres GM Left ‘Disappointed’ by Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 80 Game Suspension for PED Violation; Questions ROI With Star Slugger

The Padres management staff and several teammates are seemingly disappointed with Tatis Jr.’s actions. Some Padres players have openly criticized Tatis Jr. According to a source, pitcher Mike Clevinger, expressed his displeasure, saying, “It’s about more than just him right now.”  

The effect of suspension on Tatis Jr. 

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A highly talented young athlete, Tatis Jr. has already come under disrepute following the steroid scandal. The 80-game suspension means he will miss every game the Padres will now play this season. Whatever remains from within that count will be taken into account beginning next season onwards. Now it’s to be seen how Tatis Jr. will salvage his lost pride after returning to action. 

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Do you support the decision made by the San Diego Padres administration? 

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Written by:

Madhurjya Bhuyan

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Madhurjya Bhuyan is an MLB author at EssentiallySports. He has a Bachelor's and Master's Degree in English Literature from Gauhati University and IGNOU, respectively, and also possesses prior professional experience as a content developer. Being a performance artist since childhood, Madhurjya has always aimed to contribute towards creativity in any possible manner, and writing only boosts that desire.
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Edited by:

Vibhanshu Kumar