When is Fernando Tatis Jr. returning to MLB? Latest injury update and availability after suspension for Padres star

Fernando Tatis Jr. is the forgotten piece to the San Diego Padres title hopes. Without him in 2022 due to injury and then a PED suspension, the Padres made a huge run to the NLCS. With him back, they're a far more dangerous team.

He also has suffered from various injuries. He spent the off-season surgically repairing and rehabbing his wrist and shoulder injuries. He was unfortunately dealing with a left knee contusion during spring.

However, the star shortstop (who will likely be in the outfield now) believes he will be fully healthy to return when his suspension is up. When is that? The remaining games in his 80-game ban have him returning April 20.

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How good does Fernando Tatis Jr. make the Padres?

In October, Padres manager Bob Melvin said via MLB.com:

"He's just looking forward to helping his team and getting back. I think he has a different perspective on things now, too. The hunger that he's going to have to come in and be part of this -- and help his team go farther than we did [in 2022] -- is pretty immense. What he's focused on right now is just getting healthy, getting back and being part of this group. Because he missed it."

Fernando Tatis Jr. makes the Padres scary

The Padres are one of the deepest teams in baseball with Juan Soto, Manny Machado and Xander Bogaerts leading the way.

Add Fernando Tatis Jr. into the mix and this team becomes one of the most feared contenders of 2023.