Fernando Tatis Jr. (San Diego Padres) completely shook off his injury. Now it starts in earnest to return to the ground.

The American ‘The Athletic’ reported on the 7th (Korean time), “San Diego Padres Fernando Tatis Jr. begins baseball activities.”

Tatis Jr. had a total of three surgeries last year alone. Tatis Jr. suffered a fractured wrist in a motorcycle accident after the 2021 season and was on the operating table. Of course, he had no choice but to cause setbacks in preparation for the season. Later, during the rehabilitation process, Tatis Jr. was caught taking a banned substance and was suspended for 80 games.

Tatis Jr., who missed the entire 2022 season due to injury and suspension, began to correct the bad atmosphere. Tatis Jr. underwent surgery on his left shoulder last September, which caused trouble due to dislocation, and wrist surgery again in October.

Tatis Jr. is expected to start playing baseball in January. ‘The Athletic’ pointed out that “there was hope that Tatis Jr. would be able to resume baseball activities mid-January after undergoing recent surgery, and he was able to confirm that.”

‘The Athletic’ said, “It’s not clear how far Tatis Jr.’s batting training is going. However, San Diego thinks Tatis Jr. is in good shape.” ,

Tatis Jr. has been able to start to return to the ground, but as the entire 2022 season has been blown, there has been a change in position within the team. This is because San Diego recently acquired Xander Bogarts through an 11-year, $280 million (approximately 352.8 billion won) super-large contract. As a result, a change in the position of Kim Ha-seong and Tatis Jr. became inevitable. 스포츠토토

Currently, the position that Tatis Jr. will take on is the outfield. ‘The Athletic’ said, “After San Diego signed Bogatz, Tatis Jr. is somewhere in the outfield. Tatis Jr.’s shoulder may be best suited for right field. Juan Soto has expressed his intention to play left field. He can play center field or left field.”

However, from a long-term perspective, it was predicted that Tatis Jr. could return to the infield. ‘The Athletic’ said, “As of now, no final decision has been made on Tatis Jr.’s position. “Tatis Jr. could return to the infield at some point, if not in the near future. No. San Diego still sees Tatis Jr. as an option at shortstop and second base.”

Meanwhile, Tatis Jr., who signed a 14-year, $340 million (approximately 428.4 billion won) extension contract with San Diego prior to the 2021 season, had a career high season with a batting average of 0.282 OPS of 0.975 with 42 home runs, 97 RBIs and 25 stolen bases in 130 games in the 2021 season. Last year, he missed an entire season due to injury and drug use.