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Fernando Tatis Jr. shoved it in face of heckler with home run

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Sep 22, 2025 3:03 PM ET

San Diego Padres outfielder Fernando Tatis Jr. had the perfect response to a heckler during Sunday’s game against the Chicago White Sox.

Tatis was batting in the third inning of Sunday’s game at Rate Field in Chicago, Ill. when microphones on the Padres’ broadcast picked up a heckler. The fan could be heard yelling “Fernando, I got a syringe for you!” in reference to Tatis’ 2022 suspension for a positive PED test.

Seconds later, Tatis silenced the heckler with a long home run to left field to give the Padres a 3-0 lead.

“Fernando, I got a syringe for ya!”

This White Sox fan quickly regretted his words pic.twitter.com/2bY3oZjxn3
— Jomboy Media (@JomboyMedia) September 21, 2025

It is relatively likely Tatis did not even hear the comment, but he could not have timed his home run any better. It proved to be the difference in the game, as San Diego held on for a 3-2 win.

Chants about his PED suspension are nothing new for Tatis, who has been hearing them since he returned from his suspension in 2023. At this point, he is quite used to the critics, and has demonstrated that they don’t really bother him during games. He might not be quite as understanding as Shohei Ohtani is, however.

Sunday’s home run was Tatis’ 23rd of the season. He is hitting .267 and has driven in 66 runs as the Padres close in on a playoff spot.

This article first appeared on Larry Brown Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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