Recent updates on the rehab progress of San Diego Padres superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. suggest his absence may last longer than expected. The team still does not have a concrete timetable for his return, but remains hopeful that he can rejoin the lineup sometime in September during the critical portion of the stretch run.
Padres Superstar Fernando Tatis Jr. Could Be Facing Extended Absence
The Padres are currently on one of their best regular-season runs in franchise history. Before a frustrating 7-3 loss to the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field last night, the team had won 19 out of their last 22 games, something they had never done before. They also hold the best record in MLB since the All-Star break at 19-5.
What makes the Padres’ historic run more impressive is that they have managed to do it without one of their most important players. Tatis Jr., 25, has been on the injured list since June 24 after suffering a stress reaction on his right femur. The team had hoped their superstar could return this month, but recent reports on his rehab make an August return seem nearly impossible.
The Latest Updates on Tatis Jr.
Yesterday, Dennis Lin of The Athletic told radio station San Diego Sports 760 that Tatis has yet to start sprinting. Then, Jeff Sanders of The San Diego Union Tribune revealed that Tatis has not had an MRI since last month and is still working on achieving a “full ramp-up,” although the team does not know precisely when that ramp-up could occur. On top of that, manager Mike Shildt stated before the series opener against the Rockies that Tatis “is not feeling it” and is still waiting for “more healing to take place.”
Fernando Tatis Jr. hasn’t started sprinting yet and Yu Darvish is scheduled to throw today, per @dennistlin on @Sports760
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) August 16, 2024
These updates suggest that while Tatis is making some progress, it is happening a lot slower than the team anticipated. The fact that he has yet to start sprinting, coupled with his skipper’s comments, dampens the likelihood of a timely return for last year’s National League Platinum Glove winner.
Padres Could Be Without Key Superstar For Stretch Run
While the Padres remain fairly confident that a September return for Tatis is likely, it is not guaranteed. Even if he does come back next month, it probably will not be until the later portion of the stretch run.
If the most optimistic estimates of Tatis’s rehab come to fruition, he could play in the team’s last 10 or 15 games. Based on this week’s updates, anything more than that would be ideal but not probable. Additionally, it is still possible that Tatis could miss the regular season entirely and return in the postseason instead.
Outfield Outlook For Padres
David Peralta and Bryce Johnson have platooned in right field for most of Tatis’s stint on the injured list. However, Peralta has recently gotten the majority of starts thanks to his resurgent bat. Despite a slow start, Peralta has hit .276/.337/.447 with six home runs and 21 RBI. He is a competent replacement for the time being.
David Peralta since Fernando Tatis Jr. went on the IL (June 24): .305 AVG, .340 OBP, .547 SLG, .887 OPS, 6 HR, 17 RBI, 15 R
Another minor league deal that has worked out so far this year pic.twitter.com/5kG0xVgih8
— Talking Friars (@TalkingFriars) August 15, 2024
Johnson has yet to get things going, though. In 50 at-bats, he has collected only 10 hits and one RBI to go with his disappointing .200/.286/.240 slash line. The Padres could look to replace Johnson with another right-handed outfield bat. Eguy Rosario, Jose Azocar, and recently acquired prospect Brandon Lockridge are all viable options.
Team Can Continue to Shine For Now
General Manager A.J. Preller did a phenomenal job constructing a deep and well-rounded lineup this year. Even in Tatis’s absence, the Padres are more than capable of making a deep postseason run, and their recent play proves that. But if San Diego wants to maximize their World Series chances, they need Tatis’s power bat and stellar glove. If he’s healthy and playing to his standards, he makes the team a potent threat in the NL. Also, the team has started to get key pieces back, as Joe Musgrove returned from the IL this week and Yu Darvish continues to make progress toward a potential return. Tatis would obviously be the biggest and most important piece.
Still, as it stands now, the Padres can sustain their historic run. San Diego’s stars and role players have to continue to step up. In particular, Manny Machado has to be the leader the Padres need him to be. He is the anchor of the lineup; as his bat gets going, so do the Padres.
This month could feature the most consequential stretch in team history. It remains to be seen how much, if at all, their superstar Tatis will factor into it.
Photo Credit: © Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
