Tatis Jr. suspended for the entire season after testing positive

The Office of the Commissioner of Major League Baseball announced today that San Diego Padres shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. has received an 80-game suspension without pay for testing positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance, in violation of Major League Baseball’s Anti-Doping Prevention and Treatment Program.

The sanction took effect immediately, meaning the All-Star shortstop will be ineligible to play in the majors this year.

Tatis had been on the injured list all season after breaking his left wrist in spring training. He had recently begun a rehab assignment at Double-A and the playoff-bound Padres were hoping he could return and boost his chances down the stretch.

Tatis, who jumped to the Majors in 2019 and finished in the top four in National League Most Valuable Player voting in 2020 and 2021, is currently under contract through 2034 after agreeing to the fourth-longest extension in baseball history – 14 years and $340 million, which he signed in February 2021.

MLB said Tatis tested positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance.

Statement from Fernando Tatis Jr

“It turns out I inadvertently took a medication to treat ringworm that contained Clostebol,” Tatis said in a statement released by the players’ union. “I should have used the resources available to me to make sure there were no banned substances in what I took. I didn’t.”

“I have no excuse for my mistake, and I would never do anything to cheat or disrespect this game I love,” he said, adding, “I am completely devastated.”

The Padres released the following statement

“We were shocked 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 an 80-game suspension without pay,” the Padres said in a statement.