MVP Candidate Fernando Tatis Jr. Reveals Why He Refuses Shoulder Surgery

Although the San Diego Padres will not make the postseason this year, Fernando Tatis Jr. has been a positive highlight of their season. The 22-year-old produced one of his finest seasons in the MLB, tallying MVP-caliber statistics in the National League.

Despite suffering a serious shoulder injury earlier this season, the Dominican recovered to compete regularly this season. As the regular season draws to a close, Tatis Jr. admitted he wouldn’t need surgery to fix his shoulder.

Fernando Tatis Jr. dismisses the need for shoulder surgery

Since making his MLB debut two years ago, Tatis Jr. struggled with injuries on a few occasions. In 2019, the Dominican suffered a back injury which saw him miss a sizeable chunk of his debut season in the MLB.

In a match against the Colorado Rockies this season, the 22-year-old suffered a partial dislocation of his left shoulder. While this put him on the 10-day injury list, he returned to play for the Padres. In a few other matches, he suffered more of such dislocations, which made many believe surgery was imminent.

In addition, he also moved from his regular position of shortstop to the outfield, which would put less strain on his shoulder. However, ahead of the Padres’ opening game of their final series against the San Francisco Giants, he revealed there’s no need to undergo shoulder surgery which would sideline him for many months.

He said, “We’ll have a sit down with [general manager A.J. Preller] and the doctors, but I feel like everybody’s in a positive way with not taking the surgery. But we’ll see. I feel like I’m in a great spot. My shoulder is in a great spot. I feel very secure with where I’m at right now.”

READ MORE: WATCH: Fernando Tatis Jr. Smashes Monstrous Hit Out of Dodger Stadium

Tatis Jr. is just one short of 100 runs for the season

The 22-year old has stuffed the stat sheet with impressive numbers. After the Padres’ 3-0 loss to the Giants yesterday, he has 99 runs, 97 RBI and a staggering 42 home runs.

Although his last two games this season are against the Giants, one wouldn’t rule out Tatis Jr. getting to that century mark.

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