Fernando Tatis Jr. is getting ready to make a comeback in the major leagues after a PED suspension. His return date is April 16th after MLB banned him for 80 games. In addition to that, the young shortstop is also recovering from off-season wrist and shoulder surgeries. In the meanwhile, El Nino has been lighting up minor league games after he was assigned to Triple-A and just hit a major home run that had fans cheering.
The shortstop was reportedly involved with drug usage very early in his career, even though he denied using them. This is something that is likely to follow him throughout his career, even if he stays clean for the rest of it. For most fans, as well as some players, Tatis Jr. has committed an unforgivable offense. However, when a minor leaguer took a dig at Tatis for his PEDs involvement, fans came in the support of the Padres star.
Fernando Tatis Jr. faces the wrath of a minor leaguer while some fans come in Tatis’ support
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The 24-year-old is now part of a very exclusive MLB club that most people want nothing to do with. Given his PED involvement, Tatis Jr. might face the wrath of fans and players alike in the future. And it seems like it has already begun – Kade McClure called Tatis Jr. a cheater after he let him hit a home run off of a pitch. The Giants prospect replied to a tweet that described the moment, “cheater hits a home run during a rehab assignment during a steroid suspension”.
Although McClure later deleted that tweet, he still got some heat from fans.
This is the most relevant this guy will ever get.
— Nestor’s Apple 🍎 (@appleofnestor) April 6, 2023
The ball fernando nuked off him is worth more than his entire 9 year minor league career. 😂
— SDFF319 (@sdff319) April 6, 2023
Hi, I'm Kade McClure. You may remember me from such sports events such as "Giving up a home run to Fernando Tatis Jr" and "Tweeting about it afterwards"
— R E ❎ 👍 (@xtruth_unfiltrd) April 6, 2023
One fan called out the commenters by referring to another famous PED user, Alex Rodriguez.
It’s crazy how many of y’all in the comments will say you hate ARod but like Tatis😂
— CB Cards (@CBCards6) April 6, 2023
Some came to McClure’s defense while blasting Tatis.
I'm not sure why everyone is attacking the minor leaguer for stating a definitive fact here. Everyone telling Kade to just take his medicine, well same to Tatis. You cheated and people are going to call you a cheater, how is that wrong?
— Kevin Weaver (@kpweaver27) April 6, 2023
@Brandon_Schulze I didn’t know who Kade McClure was but I love him now
— plydogg (@plydogg) April 6, 2023
While some posted one of McClure’s own tweets that seemingly show him digging his own grave in the past.
this is the funniest part https://t.co/2mZ9h93jI2
— eduardo メ𝟶 (@mookieplzhomer) April 6, 2023
Should take his own advice pic.twitter.com/aHN2x3772G
— Drew Lutts (@drew_lutts) April 6, 2023
Among mixed opinions, the shortstop did receive some fan support.
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While the future is bright, things look bleak for Tatis Jr.
The San Diego Padres have a big year ahead of them. While this instance shows that rivalry between teams is well and alive, the accusation goes deeper than that. Fans have every reason to believe that Tatis is staying away from PEDs and will continue to do so. If he’s careful, this tale might become a thing of the past and might be used as a warning for youthful mistakes.
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But it could likely haunt the young shortstop for the rest of his career, especially if another such accusation comes to light.
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