The San Diego Padres placed Fernando Tatis Jr. on the 10-day injured list after what manager Mike Shildt described as a stress reaction in the right fielder’s thighbone.
Despite the injury, Tatis collected four hits in five at-bats during their June 20 game against the Milwaukee Brewers. The two-time Silver Slugger Award winner also had one at-bat in their June 21 game against Milwaukee.
But while he's connecting with his bat, Tatis felt some discomfort when running around the bases. An imaging on his legs revealed the injury. Despite the injury, he will continue participating in team activities but will likely be limited to batting practice.
Fernando Tatis Jr. lands on the IL pic.twitter.com/QY1B6LSTah
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 24, 2024
While it's unclear how Tatis developed the stress reaction, he has been dealing with tightness in his quadriceps since April. Luckily for the Padres, the injury won't require surgery. However, Shildt didn't give a definitive timeline for Tatis' return.
In 80 games this season, Tatis is hitting .279/.354/.468 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs. After missing the 2022 Major League Baseball season due to injuries and a suspension for using performance-enhancing drugs, he suited up for 141 games in 2023, hitting .257/.322/.449 with 25 home runs and 78 RBIs.
With Tatis sidelined, Adam Mazur will likely take his place in right field. Meanwhile, the Padres' depth will be tested following injuries to Tatis, Yu Darvish, Xander Bogaerts, and Luis Campusano. Jurickson Profar is playing through tendinitis on his left patella.
-Lance Fernandez