“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 a suspension. than 80 games without pay,” the Padres said in a statement Friday. “We fully support the program and hope Fernando learns from this experience.”
Tatis, who missed the Padres’ first 114 games with a wrist injury, had recently entered rehabilitation as a minor and looked set to join the Padres roster soon. In 2021, Tatis hit a league-leading 42 home runs 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.
“Turns out I inadvertently took a ringworm medication that contained Clostebol,” Tatis said. “I should have used the resources at my disposal to make sure no banned substances were in what I took. I didn’t.”
Tatis apologized to the Padres organization, the league and the fans in his statement, calling what he did “my mistake.”
“I have no excuse 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 March 29, 2022, all of which have been negative up until this test.
“I am completely devastated. There is no other place in the world I would rather be than on the pitch competing with my teammates. After initially appealing the suspension, I realized my mistake was the cause of this result, and for this reason, I have decided to start serving my suspension immediately. I look forward to joining my teammates on the pitch in 2023.”
In 2021, Tatis reportedly signed a 14-year contract worth $340 million.
CNN’s Jill Martin contributed to this report.
