“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 was subsequently suspended for 80 games without pay,” they said Padres made a statement Friday. “We fully support the program and hope Fernando will learn from this experience.”
Tatis, who missed the Padres’ first 114 games with a wrist injury, had recently started a rehabilitation stint with the minors and appeared poised to join the Padres’ line-up soon. In 2021, Tatis hit 42 home runs in the league and had 97 RBIs while finishing third in National League Most Valuable Player voting.
Following the announcement of his suspension, the MLB Players Association released a statement on Tatis’ behalf.
“It turns out I accidentally took a drug to treat tinea that contained clostebol,” Tatis said. “I should have used the tools at my disposal to make sure there were no prohibited substances in what I was consuming. I missed it.”
In his statement, Tatis apologized to the organization of the Padres, the league and the fans, calling what he had done “my mistake”.
“I have no excuses for my mistake and I would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game that I love,” Tatis said.
“I have taken countless drug tests throughout my professional career, including one on March 29, 2022, all of which have returned negative results up to this test.
“I’m absolutely devastated. There’s nowhere else in the world I’d rather be than to be on the pitch and compete with my teammates. After initially appealing the suspension, I’ve realized that my mistake was the cause of That result was, and that’s why I did it.” decided to serve my ban immediately. I look forward to joining my teammates on the field again in 2023.”
In 2021, Tatis reportedly signed a 14-year deal worth $340 million.
CNN’s Jill Martin contributed to this report.