The San Diego Padres are going to be massive contenders for the World Series this year with their stacked roster. They have excelled during this off-season, keeping together their roster while bringing in a superstar-level talent in Xander Bogaerts. Furthermore, they have a solid squad with stars and quality starters. 

But the Padres will miss disgraced star Fernando Tatis Jr. who is serving an 80-game ban for using a PED. Tatis Jr. recently opened up on what he regretted the most regarding the ban and it’s not missing MLB games. 

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr.’s regrets

Last year Fernando Tatis Jr. was given an 80-game suspension after testing positive for PEDs. The San Diego Padres star is also banned from playing in the World Baseball Classic. He recently stated that not being able to represent the Dominican Republic was his biggest regret. MLB Insider Hector Gomez translated Tatis’ words and shared them on Twitter. 

According to Gomez, Tatis Jr. said, “Not being able to represent the Dominican Republic in the 2023 World Baseball Classic hurt me more than the suspension”. This is a big statement from the Padres star, but it shows his patriotic nature as the Classic draws closer. Even without Tatis Jr, the Dominican Republic has a stacked team filled with star power. 

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But the Padres will want Tatis Jr. to be completely focused on making his MLB comeback this season. He is expected to play a big role for the team as they look to compete for the World Series title. Tatis is coming back soon and MLB better watch out as he looks ready to come back with a vengeance.

Tatis Jr. will be back soon

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. served 60 games of his 80-game ban last season. That means that he will only have to miss 20 games this season before he can play again. Padres fans and top brass are anticipating his return. But Tatis Jr. is feeling first-date nerves ahead of his return. 

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It is unfortunate that he will not represent the Dominican Republic at the World Baseball Classic. But many will be looking forward to seeing him play during the 2023 MLB season. What do you think of Fernando Tatis Jr.’s honest admission about his biggest regret? Please share your views in the comments below.