Aug 24, 2021; San Diego, California, USA; San Diego Padres center fielder Fernando Tatis Jr. (23) walks to the dugout after striking out during the fourth inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Orlando Ramirez-USA TODAY Sports
Los Angeles Dodgers fans took time to troll Fernando Tatis Jr., who was not even at the game due to his PED suspension.
The San Diego Padres were prepared for a huge second-half surge. It wasn’t just because of their huge trade deadline additions, with the centerpiece being Juan Soto, but also because shortstop Fernando Tatis Jr. was nearing his return from a wrist injury.
Instead, it was revealed that Tatis would be suspended for 80-games due to a violation of the PED policy. That virtually ended any chance the Padres had of chasing the Los Angeles Dodgers for the NL West lead.
During a Sept. 2 game between the Padres and Los Angeles Dodgers, Tatis was being trolled by the Los Angeles fanbase, even though he was not in attendance. Dodgers fans dropped an inflatable PED onto the field, which was subsequently removed by the ball girl at the stadium.
Dodgers fans troll Padres star Fernando Tatis Jr. for PED suspension
Tatis was suspended after he tested positive for the anabolic steroid, clostebol, on Aug. 12. He said that he took medication to treat a skin infection, but he did not consult with team doctors before taking it. He received the 80-game ban, which will carry over into the 2023 season. Additionally, there has been more fallout from the suspension, as Tatis has been seen as the face of the MLB for the past few seasons.
The Padres removed a Tatis bobblehead giveaway from their schedule at Petco Park. He is no longer eligible to play in the World Baseball Classic. Adidas announced that they have ended their partnership with Tatis due to the suspension.
Tatis did reveal that he was going to undergo surgery to repair the labrum in his left shoulder, but the procedure was delayed as of Aug. 30 due to a strep throat diagnosis.
He may not have been at the ballpark, but that did not stop Dodgers fans from trolling him.