Fernando Tatis Jr. injury update: Padres star expects to return in September following months-long absence

Tatis hasn't played since June but has progressed in his recovery

By R.J. Anderson Aug 24, 2024 at 9:47 am ET• 1 min read

San Diego Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. has not suited up since June 21 on account of a stress reaction in his right thigh bone. He expects that to change at some point in September, however, after taking batting practice with the Padres on Friday.

"I really don't have specific dates," Tatis told reporters afterward. "I feel that's more a conversation between the training staff, the manager and myself and A.J. [Preller, the general manager]. But I'm definitely playing baseball the next month. That's what it looks like."

Tatis, 25, was in the midst of another outstanding season prior to being placed on the injured list. In 80 games, he had hit .279/.354/.468 with 14 home runs, 36 runs batted in, and eight stolen bases on 11 tries. His resulting 130 OPS+ represented his best mark since the 2021 campaign when he finished third in National League Most Valuable Player Award voting and earned his second career Silver Slugger Award.