LOS ANGELES — San Diego Padres star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. will join Double-A San Antonio either Saturday or Sunday to continue his rehab, manager Bob Melvin said.
Tatis Jr took batting practice with the Padres at Dodger Stadium at noon Friday and then headed to Texas. The Dominican has been absent since mid-March, when he underwent surgery on his left wrist after a fracture allegedly sustained in a motorcycle accident in his native country.
Although there was no time estimate for his return, starting a rehab assignment is a big step for Tatis Jr and the Padres.
“He didn’t have spring training and he hasn’t played on the field at the moment, so we’re going to monitor his development,” Melvin said.
Tatis Jr will play shortstop and center field, and spend time as the designated hitter.
When Tatis Jr returns, he will be in a revamped lineup with new superstars Juan Soto, Josh Bell and Brandon Drury, obtained before Tuesday’s trade deadline. San Diego also got All-Star closer Josh Hader.
Tatis Jr was selected to the All-Star Game in 2021 and finished third in the National League Most Valuable Player voting. He batted .282 with 42 home runs and 97 RBIs.
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