Fernando Tatis Jr. homered for the first time since his return from suspension as the San Diego Padres downed the Arizona Diamondbacks 5-3. This was his first regular-season home run since 2021.
He was initially out of action last season due to injury and then faced an 80-game suspension due to the usage of drugs.
Returning to the Padres lineup, Fernando Tatis Jr. started the scoring in the first inning. Tatis sent a flyball to left center field of 24-year-old Merrill Kelly. The hit was even more commendable as it was a 0-2 pitch. Arizona's Lourdes Gurriel Jr. came agonizingly close to the ball, but had to watch it sail over the fence.
Despite showing his prowess on return, fans still called out Tatis for the scandals he got involved in. Plenty of "cheater" comments were thrown at him.
Fernando Tatis Jr. and San Diego Padres look to build on series-tying victory
The win against the Diamondbacks will give the Padres a lot of confidence after their shock shutout loss in the opening game. There are two games left in the series and they will look to win both.
After their series with Arizona, they will make their way to Chicago to face the Cubs.