Fernando Tatis Jr injury update: Padres star’s timeline pushed back again

May 28, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) looks on during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
May 28, 2022; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) looks on during the second inning against the Pittsburgh Pirates at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports

Latest Fernando Tatis Jr. injury update is another setback for Padres

Fernando Tatis Jr.’s timeline is being pushed again.

Unfortunately, the San Diego Padres star’s CT scan on Monday, June 13 did not reveal the level of healing the team was hoping for, and as a result, he won’t be able to begin swinging a bat this week.

Had the results been more optimal, Tatis would have been on track to return in approximately three weeks.

Now, it appears his return will come after the All-Star break. The Padres wrap up the first half of the season with a series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, then have the break from July 18-21. Hopefully, Tatis will be ready to open the second half against the blazing hot New York Mets on July 22.

According to A.J. Preller, Tatis is making progress, but “not quite at the level … for a full green light.” Earlier this month, Sports Illustrated called his wrist fracture a “slow-healing injury.”

However, Preller also gave an ominous soundbite, telling team radio broadcaster Sammy Levitt,

“We’re expecting to have him back…it’s just a matter of when.”

That’s awfully vague.

Vaguery makes sense though, as Tatis claimed earlier this spring he’d be back ahead of schedule. Now, he’s over a month behind.

While the Padres are certainly making do without him, Tatis’ absence from the lineup is a glaring one. His team might be tied with the Los Angeles Dodgers for first in the NL West, but their offense ranks below league average in most offensive categories.

Whenever he’s ready can’t come soon enough.