San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. suspended 80 games after testing positive for PED

San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment Program.

Tatis’ suspension, announced by MLB on Friday, is effective immediately.

“We were surprised and extremely disappointed to learn today that Fernando Tatis Jr. tested positive for a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s Joint Prevention and Treatment Program and subsequently received an 80-game suspension without pay,” the Padres said in a statement. “We fully support the Program and are hopeful that Fernando will learn from this experience.”

Tatis, 23, is one of the biggest stars in MLB, the centerpiece of multiple marketing campaigns and is in the second season of a 14-year, $340 million contract.

Tatis is currently on a minor league rehabilitation assignment after missing the first four months of the season with a broken left wrist and will now be on the restricted list for the final 48 games of the Padres’ regular season.

After emerging as a star in his rookie season at 20, Tatis, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound shortstop whose power, speed and penchant for the spectacular won him legions of fans, finished fourth in the National League MVP voting in his sophomore campaign. Last year, he was even better, signing the record deal, finishing third in MVP voting and solidifying himself as one of the game’s finest players.

The Padres collapsed down the stretch but held high hopes for 2022 after hiring Bob Melvin as their new manager. During the lockout that delayed spring training, Tatis fractured his wrist in a motorcycle accident that required surgery. San Diego vowed to take his rehabilitation slowly and was teeming with anticipation of a lineup with Tatis leading off, new acquisition Juan Soto hitting second and third baseman Manny Machado third.

Tatis’ contract remains fully guaranteed for the next dozen seasons, during which he is owed $324 million. Tatis has a full no-trade clause through 2028. In 273 career games, Tatis is hitting .292/.369/.569 with 81 home runs, 192 RBIs and 52 stolen bases.