Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. was suspended from the matches for PED violation

The Padres will have to play the remainder of the season without one of their best players.

“We were made aware of Fernando Tatis Jr.’s 80-game suspension for violating the MLB’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program,” Padres general manager A.J. Preller said in a statement released by the team.

“Fernando has been an outstanding member of the Padres organization since we signed him in 2016 and our thoughts are with him during this difficult time.”

Fernando Tatis Jr., 23, was batting .277/.366/.571 with eight homers and 16 RBIs through 23 games this season. He was one of the breakout stars in baseball last year, hitting .317/.386/.590 with 22 homers and 53 RBIs in 84 games as a rookie.

Padres released a statement in response to the suspension: “We were recently made aware of Fernando Tatis Jr.’s positive test for a banned substance. Per the Joint Drug Agreement between MLB and the MLBPA, we are not permitted to provide any further details.

Fernando has issued the following statement: ‘I have been notified by MLB that I have tested positive for a banned substance. I have consulted with a doctor who has advised me that the substance is commonly found in many over-the-counter supplements.

The Padres star will be suspended 80 games without pay, effectively ending his season. This is a huge blow to the Padres, who entered the season with World Series aspirations. Tatis is one of the best young players in baseball and was expected to be a key piece of their lineup.

It’s also a big blow to fantasy baseball owners who drafted Tatis, as he was one of the top-ranked players in most formats. Tatis’ suspension is a reminder that no one is safe from PED violations, even young superstars like Tatis. It’s also a good reminder to do your homework before drafting any player, as even the best can be suspended at any time.

The Padres are currently in first place in the NL West with a 16-12 record. They will now have to try to maintain their lead without one of their best players. Tatis Jr. is eligible to return for the Padres’ final regular season game on September 27.

Padres fans will have to hope that he can return healthy and help the team make a push for the playoffs.