On Friday, Aug. 12, Major League Baseball announced San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. tested positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing drug, and has been suspended for 80 games. This is a huge hit for the Padres, who were expecting to activate Tatis Jr. off the injured list to finally make his season debut in a few days.
At the MLB Trade Deadline, the Padres sold multiple top prospects to acquire star players Juan Soto, Josh Bell, and Cameron Drury in an aggressive bid to contend in the baseball playoffs this year. Their strategy was partly centered around the impending return of Tatis Jr. to play alongside the new acquisitions, so the shortstop's suspension has presumably turned things more than a little pear-shaped.
The #Padres have released this statement regarding Fernando Tatis Jr., who has been suspended 80 games due to PED use. He will not play this season. pic.twitter.com/THuTMuhPGj
— Annie Heilbrunn (@annieheilbrunn) August 12, 2022