Fernando Tatis Jr. is finally swinging a bat, but don’t get too excited

Footage of Fernando Tatis Jr. swinging a bat goes viral

San Diego Padres fans were thrilled to see a video of Fernando Tatis Jr. finally swinging a baseball bat this week, but unfortunately, the excitement seems a bit premature.

Not only is this not the start of a rehab stint; Tatis hasn’t even been medically cleared to start working on his swing in earnest.

According to acting manager Ryan Christenson, Tatis is only feeling things out:

“It’s more of him doing a little systems check, trying to figure where the wrist has progressed. I know he has not been cleared to go through any kind of swing progression — hitting balls, hitting off the tee too much or any baseballs coming at him. As far as I know, it’s just a couple dry swings, getting the feel for it and figuring out which way we can go moving forward.”

Tatis had a CT scan on his wrist earlier this month, and the results were not what the team hoped. While the surgically-repaired fracture is healing, it wasn’t far along enough for him to begin an official swinging regimen.

Without Tatis (and Manny Machado, temporarily), the Padres are still tied for first in the National League West, with a 44-27 record. But as the season drags on, they’re going to need more bat power. Hopefully, these are the first of many swings.