MLB Rumors: Tatis Could Have New Position Upon Return

Fernando Tatis Jr. is working his way back to the San Diego Padres. It might still not be until the end of July (or early August) that he returns, but when he does, the All-Star shortstop might be returning as an All-Star center fielder. MLB Insider Ken Rosenthal explains.

Will Fernando Tatis Jr. be playing a new position when he returns from the IL?@Ken_Rosenthal has the latest on the Padres superstar: pic.twitter.com/TvNkhnVM5D

— FOX Sports: MLB (@MLBONFOX) July 2, 2022

"It's something that they're talking about," said Rosenthal. "Last night when I presented Tatis the scenario of possibly playing center field where the Padres have not gotten much offensive production—and knowing that Ha-Seong Kim at shortstop has been playing brilliantly defensively—Tatis said, 'Well, I like winning ballgames. If this means we're gonna win more ballgames, I'm open to it.' 

"He's been shagging out there, and the way some of the Padres' people see it, he is a potential Gold Glove center fielder."

Tatis has been out all season, rehabbing his fractured wrist, suffered in a motorbike accident in the offseason. In his three years in the big leagues, the 22-year-old All-Star, Silver Slugger, Top 3 MVP candidate has a lifetime .292 average with a .965 OPS.

Wherever he plays, he'll be a huge addition to the Padres lineup.

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