Padres SS Fernando Tatis Jr.'s shoulder surgery postponed due to strep throat

After a motorcycle accident, the 2021 San Diego Padres All-Star had offseason wrist surgery in March and was expected to return to action at some point this summer. On Aug. 12 however, it was reported that Tatis Jr. was being suspended 80 games for violating Major League Baseball's performance-enhancing drug policy.

In announcing the news, the league's press release stated that the shortstop tested positive for Clostebol, a performance-enhancing substance. Tatis Jr. soon released a statement, saying he "inadvertently" took the banned substance and added that he is "completely devastated" and will serve the suspension immediately.

He claimed that the medication was being used to treat a case of ringworm. The suspension will cause Tatis Jr. to miss the first 32 games of the 2023 regular season.

Although the 23-year-old dealt with left shoulder instability throughout last year, he decided not to have stabilizing surgery last offseason. Last week, Tatis Jr. said he would undergo shoulder surgery and remain in San Diego for most of the offseason.

The youngster led the league with 42 home runs in 130 games and pick up his second consecutive Silver Slugger Award last season, while also registering 97 RBI, 25 stolen bases and a .282/.364/.611 slash line to finish third in the NL MVP voting. Tatis Jr. signed a record-setting 14-year, $340 million contract extension with the Padres in February 2021.