PEORIA, Ariz. — Fernando Tatis Jr. exited the Padres’ Cactus League game against the Reds in the third inning on Tuesday with left shoulder discomfort after a tough play on defense.
Tatis, whose injury is to his non-throwing shoulder, is expected to be re-evaluated on Wednesday.
The Padres’ star shortstop ranged to his right, then made a long throw across the diamond to retire Reds second baseman Jonathan India. Tatis was removed immediately and walked off the field after being assessed by manager Jayce Tingler and a team trainer.
After retreating to the trainer’s room for half an inning, Tatis exited Peoria Stadium accompanied by a member of the team’s medical staff.
Obviously the Padres can ill afford to be without Tatis, who inked a record-setting 14-year extension last month. He’s raked all spring, posting a 1.092 OPS across 11 games.
Tatis missed five games earlier this month with a non-COVID related illness. Then he missed a couple more days after a hard headfirst slide into home plate left him a bit banged up, though the team never disclosed a specific injury. It’s unclear whether Tuesday’s ailment was related.