San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. is rounding into form at the most opportunistic time.
Playing for El Paso, the Padres’ Triple-A affiliate, he has been on a recent tear.
Last night, he hit three home runs and drove in eight runs in his most productive game of the year.
As a reminder, he is playing in Triple-A because he still has some contests to serve from his 80-game suspension last year.
He was busted using performance-enhancing drugs in March, but the suspension was announced in the summer.
He was allowed to have a normal spring training with the Padres and even played some games there.
However, for the time being, he is not allowed to be with the big-league squad and is getting himself ready in the minors.
When it comes to Triple-A performance, there is no question he is just about ready to help the Padres.
“Fernando Tatis Jr. in six Triple-A games: 11-for-23 (.478), 2 2B, 4 HR, 6 BB, 1.673 OPS. He is eligible to return to the Padres on Thursday,” Talkin’ Baseball tweeted.
Fernando Tatis Jr. in six Triple-A games
11-for-23 (.478), 2 2B, 4 HR, 6 BB, 1.673 OPS
He is eligible to return to the Padres on Thursday pic.twitter.com/AYNOxgO7yB
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) April 14, 2023
The rich are about to get richer.
Tatis, next week, will join a powerful lineup that already has Juan Soto, Manny Machado, Nelson Cruz, Ha-Seong Kim, Xander Bogaerts, Trent Grisham, and others.
The 7-7 Friars are very happy to get their star back after a rough 2022 that included injuries, surgeries, and the suspension.
He has 40-40 potential and is hungrier than ever.
MLB will get a major boost when he returns, as he is one of the most exciting players in the league despite everything that happened.
NEXT: Juan Soto Received A Tremendous Honor On Thursday