Fernando Tatis Jr.'s Suspension Return Date Confirmed After Padres' Playoff Run Ends

With the San Diego Padres eliminated from the playoffs, they can begin planning for next year. While nobody knows what the 2023 season will bring, one thing the Padres know for certain is when they'll get Fernando Tatis Jr. back from his suspension.

Fernando Tatis Jr. Return Date

Tatis Jr. was suspended 80 games in August for violating MLB's performance-enhancing drug policy. Those 80 games included the postseason, however, making it unclear when his exact return date would be after San Diego made the playoffs.

By appearing in 12 postseason games, the Padres effectively moved up Tatis' return date a couple of weeks. With 20 games remaining on his suspension, the star shortstop is now eligible to return on April 20 in Arizona against the Diamondbacks.

Tatis will try to help take San Diego win its first World Series in franchise history next year after falling short of the Fall Classic in 2022. The team missed his bat this year and is counting on him to help anchor the lineup along with Manny Machado and Juan Soto.