Reporter Kim Hee-joon = Fernando Tatis Jr. (24), a star of the San Diego Padres of the Major League (MLB) who did not play a game last year, joined the team spring camp and showed his determination this year.
Tatis Jr., who arrived at the Peoria Sports Complex in Arizona, USA, a spring camp in San Diego, said on the 17th (Korean time), “It feels good to finally come back healthy. I have been looking forward to the day I will return to the field.”
This day was the call-up day for the San Diego pitching and catching teams. The 22nd is the day when Ha-seong Kim and the San Diego baseball team gather.
However, Tatis Jr. arrived at the spring camp first on the 5th and started training.
MLB.com said, “Tatis Jr. leaned over his locker and talked about his health and enthusiasm. He laughed most of the answers.”
Debuting in the big leagues in 2019, Tatis Jr., at the age of 20, had a batting average of 0.317, 22 homers, 53 RBIs, 16 stolen bases, and 61 runs, showing off the face of a large prospect.
In 2020, when a shortened season of 60 games per team was played in the aftermath of Corona 19, he played an active part in 59 games with a batting average of 0.277, 17 homers and 45 RBIs.
In 2021, when he played full-time for the first time, he played in 130 games, batting average of 0.282, 42 home runs and 97 RBIs, with 25 steals and 99 runs scored. That year, he also won the National League Home Run King.
Tatis Jr. signed a 14-year, up to $340 million contract extension ahead of the 2021 season, but had a nightmare last year.
Tatis Jr., who injured his wrist while riding a motorcycle in March of last year ahead of the 2022 season, missed the first half due to the injury. In August of last year, when he was recovering from his injury and preparing to return, the banned drug Klostebol was caught in a doping test.
Tatis Jr., who was suspended for 80 games by the MLB Secretariat for discovering a banned substance, did not play a single game last year.
Tatis Jr. has to digest 20 more games of suspension this year.
Tatis Jr., who had a chronic injury to his shoulder, showed confidence, saying, “The condition of his left shoulder is 100%.” When asked about the condition of his wrist, which he injured last year, he emphasized that it is not a big problem, saying, “I have the best swing right now.” 바카라사이트
“2023 will be my year,” said Tatis Jr., recalling the number 23 he had worn since his big league debut, and promised to play an active part, saying “everyone will remember 2023 for a long time.”
Tatis Jr., who served as San Diego’s main shortstop until 2021, played the entire last year, and Ha-seong Kim filled the vacant position.
This year, Zander Bogaerts, who signed an 11-year, $280 million free agent contract with San Diego last winter, is expected to serve as the starting shortstop.
Local media expect Ha-seong Kim to move to second base, Jake Cronenworth to first base, and Tatis Jr. to play mainly as an outfielder.
Juan Soto is expected to play in left field, Trent Grisham in center field, and Tatis Jr. will mainly play in right field.
“I also like to play as an outfielder,” Tatis Jr. said.