“Cheaters Shouldn’t Be Rewarded…”: Baseball Fans Show Divided Reactions as Padres Star Fernando Tatis Jr. Is Snubbed for Top Mid-Season Honor

Fernando Tatis Jr. has enjoyed a great season thus far with the San Diego Padres. This is after an 80-game ban suspension for PEDs saw him miss 20 games this year. Furthermore, Tatis Jr. has thrived in his new role in the right field. But most recently, fans were left divided as the controversial star has been snubbed for a top mid-season honor.

This comes amidst a big season for the outfielder, as he has overcome many obstacles. Early in the year, he saw some struggles with the bat but has made a great comeback in the season. Despite this and his top-level play, Tatis Jr. has been snubbed in a big way. 

Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. receives All-Star snub 

With the MLB season having reached its halfway point, voting for the All-Star game has opened in recent weeks. This allows fans to pick their favorite players at every position thus far. Most recently, Fernando received a major snub as he misses out on a starting All-Star spot. MLB insider Ben Verlander reported via Twitter that the star outfielder did not qualify for the second round of voting. 

In a Tweet, Verlander said, “Fernando Tatis Jr is not advancing to phase 2 of the ASG Starters voting. Fernando Tatis Jr absolutely should be an All-Star.” This is a big update as the Padres star has been a top outfielder this year, despite it being his first time playing in the right field. 

Read More: Famously Infamous San Diego Padres’ Fernando Tatis Jr. Wins Hearts With an Adorable Gesture Before Gun Performance

Because of his positive PED test last year, the padres star’s being labeled as a cheater by most of the fans. Extending their views, fans say he doesn’t deserve a spot in ASG.

Contrarily, due to his quick transition since last year, some fans also believe that he’s one of the best baseball players.

But this is not the end for Tatis Jr., as he has the chance to make the All-Star reserves. However, with the number of stars in the outfield, it seems like a tough chance. Only time will tell if the Padres star makes it this year. Furthermore, he has battled against fans repeatedly this year. 

Tatis Jr. has faced a rough road to redemption

In August last year, Fernando Tatis Jr. was slapped with an 80-game suspension after testing positive for Clostebol, a banned substance. This left his reputation in tatters as he was rehabbing from an injury as well. But this season, he has thrived in a new position while facing mockery from opposing fans head-on. Luckily, Padres supporters have wholeheartedly welcomed him back, and he’s repaying that trust with some top performances. 

Watch This Story: From Black Betsy To Wonder Boy: Baseball’s Most Iconic Bats

What do you think of Fernando Tatis Jr. being snubbed for a starting All-Star spot? Kindly share your views in the comments below.