Fernando Tatis Jr.'s frustration mounts as suspension curtails World Baseball Classic eligibility
When Fernando Tatis Jr. burst into the MLB as a 20-year old in 2019, it appeared that nothing would stop him. After he hit an MLB-best 42 home runs in 2021, it soon became clear that the San Diego Padres had a generational talent on their hands.
Prior to the 2021 season, the Padres inked Tatis Jr. to a massive, 13-year deal that would see the young Dominican earn $340 million through the 2034 season. Nobody foresaw the difficulties that lay just around the corner.
Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a 2-run homer to left field against Michael Wacha in live batting practice. https://t.co/AKjQGk5J5g
"Fernando Tatis Jr. hits a 2-run homer to left field against Michael Wacha in live batting practice." - 97.3 The Fan
His entry into the 2022 season was delayed on account of a right scaphoid injury that required surgery. When he was finally game-ready in August, he tested positive for anabolic steroids and was subsequently suspended for 80 games.
Although his suspension is set to expire this April, he will not be eligible to play in the 2023 World Baseball Classic for the Dominican Republic. The tournament is set to kick off on March 8. Since the WBC is endorsed by the MLB, his suspension will stand.
Speaking to Dominican sports outlet Beisbol en Accion, Fernando Tatis Jr. shared the intense disappointment he feels by being disallowed to represent his country in the tournament. Tatis Jr. said:
"Not being able to represent the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic hurt me more than the suspension."
Fernando Tatis Jr.: "Not being able to represent the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic hurt me more than the suspension".
(via @beisbolaccionny) https://t.co/wOAOcAsDJU
The Dominican Republic features a star-studded team replete with names like Manny Machado, Jeremy Pena and Vladimir Guerrero Jr. It is the first such tournament since 2017 as the 2021 classic was postponed on account of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Tatis Jr.'s father, Fernando Tatis, represented his nation in 2009 while he was playing for the New York Mets. The Dominican Republic will kick off their 2023 World Baseball Classic on March 11 against Venezuela at LoanDepot Arena, home of the Miami Marlins.
Fernando Tatis Jr. has a big season ahead of him, regardless of WBC miss
The San Diego Padres surprised everybody when they made it all the way to the NLCS last year. Now, with Tatis Jr. returning and a wealth of new and retained talent, Tatis Jr. is just as well setting his sights on being the best version of himself in his much-anticipated return to the MLB.