Padres' Fernando Tatis Jr. works out in center field

Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. works out in center field, says he’ll be back soon

Padres second baseman Jake Cronenworth hands Fernando Tatis Jr. his glove and hat during a game July 29.

By Bernie Wilson

Associated Press

Aug. 6, 2021 7:03 PM PT

SAN DIEGO — All-Star shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. of the San Diego Padres spent about an hour shagging fly balls in center field Friday, leading to some intrigue about what position he will play when he returns from his latest shoulder injury.

Tatis smoothly covered a lot of ground, leaped to rob some teammates of batting practice home runs and threw a few balls to kids in the stands.

“A little bit [of] cardio,“ Tatis said with a laugh, “but we’ll see what happens.”

As he shagged balls, Tatis received tips from members of the coaching staff.

Asked whether he was intentionally working in center field, Tatis said: “Moving out there a little bit and just see what’s going to be the best for the team.”

Tatis partially dislocated his left shoulder sliding awkwardly into third base July 30 and was placed on the 10-day injured list the next day. It was the third time he left a game this year after partially dislocating his left shoulder and the second time he went on the IL with the injury. He also left two spring-training games after injuring the shoulder.

The Padres have mentioned that surgery could be an option if Tatis’ shoulder didn’t improve during this IL stint. Tatis, eligible to return Tuesday, said it might take a few days beyond the 10-day period, but he intends to be back.

“I’m definitely coming back this season,“ said the electrifying Tatis, who’s having an MVP-caliber season.

Tatis leads the National League with 31 home runs and 23 stolen bases. He’s hitting .292 with 70 RBIs.

Tatis has wowed fans since his rookie season of 2019 with his diving plays at shortstop, his daring moves on the basepaths and his bat flips after home runs. But he has hurt his shoulder this season while swinging the bat, diving for a ball at shortstop and sliding feet-first.

“It’s bouncing back better than everybody thought,” Tatis said. “I’m feeling pretty good right now.”

He said the pain this time “was way more. This time it stayed out a little bit more, so I probably have a little bit more inflammation. The good part is we’re bouncing back pretty good.”

Asked about the concern of long-term damage, he said: “Not much. I’ve been talking to the doctors. I know my body very well. Everybody’s working for what’s going to be the best for me now and long term, and I feel like everybody’s on the same page.”

Tatis said he has been hitting for three days.

Padres manager Jayce Tingler said Tatis has made “very significant improvements” but there’s “still a ways to go.”

Tingler said Tatis has always shown “an incredible ability to recover and bounce back.”

San Diego’s current center fielder is Gold Glove winner Trent Grisham. If Tatis moves to center, rookie Kim Ha-seong or Jake Cronenworth could play shortstop.

Tatis became the first Padres player voted to start an All-Star game since Tony Gwynn in 1999.