Nothing has gone according to plan for <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-fernando-tatis-jr-breaks-the-silence-on-his-suspension-2583-20220824-SPD-2583.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Fernando Tatis Jr</a>. this year. Having missed the first half of the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-aaron-ashby-signs-new-long-term-contract-with-brewers-2339-20220724-SPD-2339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> season due to a fractured wrist, his return date was just around the corner when he received another blow.



Tatis Jr was given an 80-game suspension from MLB after testing positive for Clostebol, violating the league’s Joint Drug Prevention and Treatment program. That means he’s not playing at all this year, and he will also miss games in 2023.



Before this chaotic year, the <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-rumors-joe-musgrove-turns-down-padres-contract-extension-offer-339-20220504-SPD-339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">Padres</a> had given Tatis Jr. a 14 year, fully guaranteed $340 million contract. In an interview with USA TODAY Sports, team chairman Peter Seidler said he had no regrets in striking that deal.



<h2>Padres owner doesn’t regret giving Fernando Tatis Jr. $340m deal</h2>



“It was a significant body blow for him, for the organization, and for the fans,’’ Seidler said. “But yelling, screaming, breaking glasses, that wasn’t going to help anything. In my experience, this can make you stronger and better. The wrong way to look at it is to be angry at a 23-year-old young man. We’ve had him since he was 17. He has grown up in front of our eyes. I know he’s a good guy with a good heart and he cares.



“No regrets. No. No. No. Fernando knows I have his back. There’s no way you go into a 14-year relationship and think it’s going to be a smooth ride for pure joy and happiness. Your eyes are wide open. There’s going to be a mistake or hiccup. I knew that going in. It’s a similar feeling in any long-term relationship. You’re going to have your speed bumps. My expectation is that we got rid of a lot of the speed bumps here.’’

MLB News: Padres owner opens up on Fernando Tatis Jr $340m contract extension

MLB News: Padres owner opens up on Fernando Tatis Jr $340m contract extension - thesportsdrops NEWS

miniaturas

This year didn’t begin well for Fernando Tatis Jr., who was unable to play in the 2022 <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-blue-jays-and-charlie-montoyo-part-ways-john-schneider-appointed-temporary-coach-2192-20220713-SPD-2192.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> regular season due to a fractured wrist he picked up in the offseason. When he was finally getting close to come back, the Padres star received another blow.



A few weeks ago, <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-dodgers-david-price-opens-up-about-retirement-rumors-2025-20220705-SPD-2025.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">MLB</a> suspended Tatis Jr. for 80 games after testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance in violation of the league’s drug policy. That means he is not seeing the ballpark this year, and will also miss games of <a href="https://news.thesportsdrop.com/mlb/mlb-news-aaron-ashby-signs-new-long-term-contract-with-brewers-2339-20220724-SPD-2339.html" target="_blank" rel="noreferrer noopener">2023</a>.



On Tuesday, the 23-year-old shortstop addressed the media for the first time since his suspension. Far from making any excuses, Tatis Jr. took responsibility and apologized for what happened.



<h2>Fernando Tatis Jr. breaks silence on MLB suspension</h2>



“I’m truly sorry, I am,” Tatis said, via ClutchPoints. “I have let so many people down… I failed the front office, San Diego Padres. I failed every fan in this city, I failed my country, I failed my family, my parents. I’m really sorry for my mistakes. I’ve seen how my dreams have turned into my worst nightmares… There is no one else to blame but myself.”



Tatis’ return would have come in a great moment for San Diego. Having landed Juan Soto and Josh Bell before the trade deadline, the Padres head into the final stretch of the regular season with high aspirations.



Unfortunately, Tatis Jr. won’t be joining their powerful lineup this year. However, it’s good to see that at least he took accountability. After all, that’s the first step to make things different next time.

Fernando Tatis Jr.

MLB News: Padres owner opens up on Fernando Tatis Jr $340m contract extension

MLB News: Fernando Tatis Jr. breaks the silence on his suspension

Receive the latest news in your E-mail box