Fernando Tatis Jr. Injury Update: Padres GM A.J. Preller shares latest information on slugger's recovery

While several of his MLB counterparts were taking part in the All-Star festivities, Fernando Tatis Jr. of the Padres was back in San Diego undergoing an MRI.

Despite being voted to start for the National League for the second time of his career, Tatis Jr. has not played in a game for over a month. The 25 year-old Dominican has been on the IL ever since June 21, when he was hit by a pitch by Brewers pitcher Colin Rea, causing a femoral stress reaction.

"The Padres announced Fernando Tatis Jr. exited the game with a left tricep contusion. Tatis stayed in the game, then was pinch-hit for the next time his spot in the order came up." - Foul Territory

Despite being voted to represent the National League at the All-Star Game, Fernando Tatis Jr. instead underwent an MRI. The resulting analysis showed that enough healing had transpired to clear the two-time All-Star for "light baseball activity" - which means swinging and running, but no games.

Speaking in light of his team's walk-off win against the Los Angeles Dodgers on Tuesday, Padres GM shed some light on the situation. According to San Diego GM AJ Preller, the former Silver Slugger is making good progress. Preller continued to tell MLB.com:

"We expect him to be back. Exactly when? That's something we've still got to get more information from our doctors. But every report I've gotten has been really positive."

At the time of his injury, Tatis Jr. was hitting .279/.354/.468 with 14 home runs and 36 RBIs for the Padres this season. With his club now tied with the New York Mets in the NL Wild Card standings, getting Fernando Tatis Jr. back into the lineup is a priority for Preller and company.

Full season remains elusive for Fernando Tatis Jr.

Since making his MLB debut in 2019, Tatis Jr. has only competed in 494 of a possible 919 games for the San Diego Padres. Back injuries limited his 2019 season, while a PED suspension locked him out of the entire 2022 campaign.

With the Padres now back in playoff position, but without names like Juan Soto and Blake Snell to help them forward, the need for Tatis back in the lineup is dire. As August turns into September, the Padres will need the dynamic bat of Fernando Tatis Jr. if they want to compete offensively into postseason baseball in 2024.