The San Diego shortstop was suspended for 80 games for testing positive for Clostebol. The sum of US$2,812,529 MM will be lost
San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis III has been suspended for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of Major League Baseball’s anti-doping policy.
Tatis III’s suspension is effective immediately, covering the remainder of the current season and part of the start of the following season, restricting him from participating in the postseason.
Tatis III became part of a long list of Dominicans who have been suspended by the MLB after testing positive for the use of prohibited substances, including Alex Rodríguez, Manny Ramírez, Edison Vólquez, Bartolo Colón, Melky Cabrera, Nelson Cruz , Miguel Tejada, Ervin Santana, Starling Marte, Jorge Bonifacio, Jorge Polanco, Frankie Montás, Ramón Laureano, Michael Pineda and Robinson Canó. “It turns out that I inadvertently took a medication to treat ringworm (skin infection) that contained Clostebol,” Tatis said in a statement via the MLB Players Association. “I should have used the resources available to make sure there were no banned substances in what I took. I did not do it”.
“I want to apologize to Peter (Seidler), AJ (Preller), the entire Padres organization, my teammates, Major League Baseball and fans everywhere for my mistake. I have no excuse for my mistake and would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game that I love. I have taken countless drug tests throughout my professional career, including on March 29, 2022, all of which have come back negative until this test.”
Tatis, 23, is one of Major League Baseball’s biggest stars, the centerpiece of multiple ad campaigns and is in the second season of a 14-year, $340 million contract.
What you will miss
This year’s salary is five million, $714,286. Now that he will miss the 47 games remaining in the Padres’ regular season schedule, the native of San Pedro de Macoris will no longer receive the sum of $1,443,887.
Meanwhile, for 2023 his salary was US$7,714,285 million, but adding the last 33 games of his suspension, the amount of US$1,368,642 will be reduced. In total, the 80-game eviction is equivalent to $2,812,529.
“I am completely devastated. There is no other place in the world that I would rather be than on the field competing with my teammates. After initially appealing the suspension, I realized that my mistake was the cause of this result, and for that reason I have decided to begin serving my suspension immediately. I look forward to meeting my teammates on the field in 2023.”
The Dominican shortstop was currently on a minor league rehab assignment after missing the first four months of the season with a broken left wrist. “We were shocked and very 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 as a result received an 80-game suspension without pay.” , the Padres said in a statement yesterday. “We fully support the Program and hope that Fernando learns from this experience.”
San Diego’s face
After emerging as a star in his rookie season at age 20, Tatis III, a 6-foot-3, 220-pound shortstop whose power, speed and penchant for the spectacular won him legions of fans, finished fourth in the voting. National MVP in 2020.
Last year, he was even better, signing a record contract, finishing third in the MVP voting and cementing himself as one of the best players in Major League Baseball. The Padres collapsed down the stretch but had high hopes for 2022 after hiring Bob Melvin as their new manager. During the work stoppage that delayed spring training, Tatis broke his wrist in a motorcycle accident that required surgery.
San Diego promised to take his rehab in stride and anticipated a strong season with a lineup featuring Tatis hitting leadoff, new acquisition Juan Soto hitting second and third baseman Manny Machado hitting third.
Tatis III’s contract remains fully guaranteed for the next twelve 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 RBI and 52 stolen bases.
