In case you missed it, San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. had his best game yet at the Triple-A level on Thursday.
He went yard three times and drove in a whopping eight runs for El Paso.
Make it 3 home runs and 8 RBI for Fernando Tatis Jr. tonight 👀
(via @MiLB)pic.twitter.com/JZk37d8wDV
— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) April 14, 2023
It’s safe to say he is gearing up nicely to return to the Padres on Thursday.
Fans, of course, are hyped.
Fernando Tatís Jr is on fire🔥! Can't wait to see him back in action and dominating the game like he did for the El Paso Chihuahuas.💪 #baseballseason #chihuahuas #FernandoTatisJr
— felicitamaxwell🗽🥗 ✧ Surprise in my shop 💰 (@felicitamaxwe12) April 14, 2023
The Fernando Tatis Jr. comeback tour is gonna be a lot of fun pic.twitter.com/5FkUvYevkH
— Lorenzo (@wegoticezo) April 14, 2023
Perhaps no team in baseball needs a player like the Padres currently need Tatis.
Padres need a healthy Fernando Tatis, Jr. back soon – with hopes that he will pick-up a dismal offense of late and help the Friars score at least 4 runs a game!
— Dr. Joseph D. Di Lella (@dr_lella) April 14, 2023
Others, however, are not too thrilled that he got to play in spring training and the minor leagues while suspended.
If his name wasn’t Fernando Tatis, i think we all know well that he wouldn’t have been able to play spring or rehab till the suspension ended. He’s MLB’s boy
— The Fish Army (@FishArmy305) April 14, 2023
It took a few games in the spring and with El Paso for the prized young hitter to shake off the rust.
After all, he hasn’t played since the 2021 season.
Lots of things happened last year: a reported motorcycle accident during the lockout, shoulder and wrist surgeries, and of course the 80-game steroids suspension that he is still serving (that’s the reason why he isn’t with the Padres at the moment).
However, after taking some games to get his timing and swing back, he looks ready to pick right where he left off two years ago.
That 2021 season saw Tatis hit 42 home runs and stole 25 bases in just 130 games.
If he is truly past his shoulder and wrist ailments, there is a path for him to hit 35 homers and steal 30 bases even after missing most of April.
He is that good.
Of course, shoulder surgeries can potentially derail careers so we have to see how he looks against MLB pitchers.
The potential is there for some monstrous numbers, though.
NEXT: Padres Superstar Is Dominating Minor League Pitching Ahead Of MLB Return
